New LYS Chairperson, Audrey Fehily
Audrey graduated from University College, Dublin with a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) in 1982. She qualified as a solicitor four years later and was a partner in a legal firm for over 30 years, specialising in commercial property, transactions, probate, wills and taxes. Audrey is retired from full time legal practice and now manages a medical practice.
Since joining the Board of LYS in 2016, Audrey has been an active member of the HR and Audit, Risk & Governance sub-committees and takes over the role of chairperson from Patrick Lynch, who completed his very successful term of office in December 2020.
Audrey is married to Jim, a GP and has two sons and in her spare time enjoys golf, bridge, reading and travelling.
Audrey is an active volunteer in other areas of her life and brings vast experience, expertise and a genuine empathy and interest in young people to the role.
LYS wishes to sincerely thank Patrick Lynch whose term as Chairperson of the Board of LYS has come to an end.
Patrick has been involved with youth work and LYS for over thirty years, starting as a volunteer with Kilmallock Youth Club, becoming a member of the Board of LYS and subsequently chairperson in 2015.
(from left) Patrick Lynch, Cllr. Adam Teskey & Sue Tennet at Rathkeale Youth Space (2020)
‘My goal as chairperson was always to give the Board a platform to share their views and concerns and the space to listen to each other,’ said Patrick.
‘It has been my privilege to know and work with all three CEOs (of LYS) and each has brought a very distinct and diverse type of leadership,’ said Patrick adding ‘it is our present CEO Fiona O Grady, with whom I have worked most closely. Fiona has led a significant programme of work under our Strategic Plan working collaboratively and innovatively with the Board, staff and young people.
‘we have built a strong organisation with young people at the centre’
‘In stepping down from the Board I am happy and content in the knowledge that we have built a strong organisation with young people at the centre, is responsive to their needs and strives for continuous improvement,’ said Patrick.
‘I will miss Limerick Youth Service, I will take the skills and experience I have gained and hope that I have left some of my knowledge and approach with you,’ said Patrick who thanked his fellow Board members, staff and volunteers with LYS for their support.
‘Patrick has been a great ambassador for LYS’
LYS CEO Fiona O’Grady thanked Patrick for his many years of service and commitment to young people, volunteers and LYS.
‘Patrick has been a great ambassador for LYS and championed our work in youth work, further education and training’ said Fiona.
Patrick speaking at the formal opening of the Northside Youth Space in 2017
‘During his tenure as chairperson Patrick spearhead our Strategic Plan, welcomed government ministers and was as a great source of support, particularly during the challenges brought about by Covid-19,’ said Fiona.
‘We would like to thank Patrick for his time, input, commitment and support and wish him the very best in the future,’ said Fiona.
A member of Youth Work Ireland, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
ENDS####
