Meet the Team
Manager, Roscommon Women's Network
Nora Fahy
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.
Manager, CycleUp Textiles Social Enterprise
Aisling Owens
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.
Production Team Lead
Alena Gurn
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.
Product Creator
Olena Piankova
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.
Product Creator and Tutor
Maria Hourigan
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.
Product Creator
Ahmad Abo Haileh
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.
Product Creator
Viktoriia Manaienko
Viktoriia joined CycleUp Textiles in January 2025, bringing extensive experience in dressmaking from large-scale manufacturing and factory settings. Her precision, efficiency, and technical expertise make her a key member of the production team. Viktoriia’s work reflects both skill and care, contributing to the consistent quality and professional finish of CycleUp’s upcycled textile products. Her role is funded by the Community Services Programme.
Product Creator
Derek Fallon
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.
Product Creator
Emer Giblin
Emer joined CycleUp Textiles in 2022, bringing a degree in Textile Design from the National College of Art and Design. With a strong foundation in design, she plays a key role in shaping CycleUp’s creative direction and developing innovative upcycled products. Alongside her upcycling work, Emer delivers training and workshops in upcycling, sharing her knowledge with participants and supporting them in building practical skills and creative confidence.
Product Creator
Clare Murray
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.
Product Creator and Visual Merchandiser
Nicola Crosby
Nicola joined CycleUp Textiles in 2023 as an Administrator, bringing strong organisational skills. In 2025, she transitioned into the production team to pursue her growing interest in sewing and upcycling, quickly developing her practical skills in this area. Nicola now contributes to both product creation and the day-to-day presentation of the shop, where her natural eye for visual merchandising helps ensure the space is welcoming, cohesive, and reflective of CycleUp’s ethos.
Product Creator
Maria Kiernan
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.
Product Creator
Bridget Mongan
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.
Business Operations Intern
Viktorija Gedvilaite
Viktorija joined CycleUp Textiles in March 2026 as a Business Operations Intern, having previously worked within the RWN charity shop. Her role includes assisting with administration, coordination and general operations, providing valuable support to the wider team. Through her placement, Viktorija is developing a strong understanding of how a social enterprise operates, building practical skills and insight into the day-to-day management of CycleUp.
Financial Administrator, RWN
Laura Bachvarova
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.