Meet the CycleUp Textiles Team
Nora Fahy
Manager, Roscommon Women's Network
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Nora joined Roscommon Women’s Network in 2007 as its first paid staff member and has played a key role in its growth into a well-established, women-centred community development organisation. In 2012, RWN became part of Women’s Collective Ireland, funded by the Department of Justice & Equality, and Nora has since been employed by WCI. Working closely with the RWN Voluntary Board and the WCI Roscommon Advisory Committee, Nora leads the development of services and supports that respond to the evolving needs of women and families across the county. With a strong background in business management, she has been instrumental in strengthening RWN’s structure and sustainability, including supporting the development of CycleUp Textiles, RWN's social enterprise.
Aisling Owens
Social Enterprise Manager, CycleUp Textiles
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​Aisling joined CycleUp Textiles as Administrator in December 2024 and progressed to Business Development Coordinator in March 2025, with both roles supported by the EU Just Transition Fund. In April 2026, she was appointed CycleUp Manager, with the role funded through the Community Services Programme. With a decade of international experience in fashion retail buying, category management and product planning, Aisling brings strong expertise in commercial strategy and financial analysis. As Manager, she oversees all aspects of CycleUp’s operations, leading its development as a financially sustainable social enterprise while delivering meaningful social and environmental impact.
Alena Gurn
Production Team Lead
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Alena joined CycleUp Textiles in 2023 as Production Team Lead, bringing a strong background in and technical understanding of textiles, which she applies to the creation of high-quality upcycled products. She oversees the day-to-day running of the production studio and product creation team, managing workflow, quality control and product consistency. Alongside her production role, Alena also delivers training and workshops. With a keen eye for detail and craftsmanship, Alena ensures every piece is made with care, creativity and durability, maintaining high production standards while supporting CycleUp’s environmental and social mission.
Jan Fellows
Retail and Community Engagement Coordinator
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Jan is CycleUp’s Retail & Community Engagement Coordinator, a role supported through grant funding from Community Foundation Ireland and Bank of Ireland. Jan brings a wealth of experience in community work, retail and people-focused roles, having previously served as a board member of Roscommon Women’s Network and worked in Human Resources with the NHS in the UK before opening her own retail boutique. In her role with CycleUp, Jan oversees operations in our Roscommon town shop, engaging local customers with upcycled products and helping to raise awareness of textile reuse, sustainable shopping and the circular economy.
Olena Piankova
Product Creator
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Olena joined CycleUp Textiles in 2023 as a Product Creator, bringing a strong background in fashion design and dressmaking. Her technical skill and creativity shine through in the high-quality upcycled pieces she produces. Olena is passionate about sustainable fashion and contributes greatly to CycleUp’s commitment to craftsmanship and circular design. Her role is funded by the Community Services Programme.
Maria Hourigan
Product Creator
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Maria began her journey with CycleUp Textiles in 2020 as a volunteer, with no prior sewing experience. Through dedication and hands-on learning, she developed strong skills in sewing and upcycling, progressing into her current role as a Product Creator. In addition to her work in production, Maria also delivers training and workshops, supporting others as they develop their own skills in upcycling. Her role is funded by the Community Services Programme.
Ahmad Abo Haileh
Product Creator
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Ahmad joined CycleUp Textiles in 2024 as a Product Creator, bringing an exceptional background in tailoring and garment construction. Having previously owned his own tailoring business, he offers extensive expertise, precision, and creativity to the production team. Ahmad’s craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every piece he creates, adding depth and quality to CycleUp’s upcycled collections. His role is funded by the Community Services Programme.
Viktoriia Manaienko
Product Creator
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Ahmad joined CycleUp Textiles in 2024 as a Product Creator, bringing an exceptional background in tailoring and garment construction. Having previously owned his own tailoring business, he offers extensive expertise, precision, and creativity to the production team. Ahmad’s craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every piece he creates, adding depth and quality to CycleUp’s upcycled collections. His role is funded by the Community Services Programme.
Derek Fallon
Product Creator
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Derek joined CycleUp Textiles in 2025, bringing a strong background in carpentry and woodwork. His craftsmanship and creativity led to the development of CycleUp’s signature upcycled footstools, which combine reclaimed materials with quality design. Derek continues to bring new ideas and practical skill to the production team, expanding the range of handcrafted homeware pieces.
Clare Murray
Product Creator
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Clare joined CycleUp Textiles in 2023, bringing a background in Product Design and a passion for sustainability. She plays an active role in developing and refining new upcycled products, blending creativity with thoughtful, functional design. Clare’s innovative approach helps enhance both the quality and appeal of CycleUp’s collections.
Maria Kiernan
Product Creator
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Maria rejoined CycleUp Textiles in 2025, having previously worked with the team as an Administrator. She is now a core member of the production studio, where she specialises in constructing finished products from reclaimed textiles. With a high level of technical ability, Maria plays a key role in bringing designs from concept through to completed, sale-ready pieces.
Bridget Mongan
Product Creator
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Bridget joined CycleUp Textiles in March 2026. Beginning her journey as a trainee, she is developing practical skills in sewing, textile handling and upcycling as part of the production team. Working closely with the team, Bridget is building her confidence and technical ability through hands-on experience in the studio, contributing to the creation of CycleUp’s range of products.
Hanna Korotach
Product Creator
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Hanna joined CycleUp as a Product Creator in June 2026. In her role, she helps transform donated textiles into beautiful, practical upcycled products, giving new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste and supporting CycleUp’s mission to reduce textile waste, promote the circular economy and create meaningful employment through sustainable design.
Viktorija Gedvilaite​
Business Operations Intern
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Hanna joined CycleUp as a Product Creator in June 2026. In her role, she helps transform donated textiles into beautiful, practical upcycled products, giving new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste and supporting CycleUp’s mission to reduce textile waste, promote the circular economy and create meaningful employment through sustainable design.
Laura Bachvarova
Financial Administrator, Roscommon Women's Network​
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Laura joined the Roscommon Women’s Network team in 2020, bringing over 13 years of experience in the banking industry and a diploma in office administration. Employed directly by Women’s Collective Ireland, she provides vital administrative and financial support across RWN’s projects, including CycleUp Textiles. Laura’s professionalism and attention to detail help ensure the smooth and efficient running of daily operations.