Governance

An Mheitheal Comhshaol Cooperative

An Mheitheal Comhshaol is a not for profit cooperative society, registration number 5969R.

As a cooperative society, we believe in the seven principles of cooperatives:

  1. Voluntary and open membership. Anyone can join; there is no discrimination.

  2. Democratic member control.  Members elect reps to make decisions.

  3. Member economic participation.  Assets are held in trust by the co-op for the benefit of community & the environment.

  4. Autonomy and independence.  Self help, empowerment, member control.

  5. Education, training and information.  Provide training to ourselves & the community.

  6. Cooperation among co-operatives.  Work with like minded orgs (eg Community Bikes Ireland network).

  7. Concern for community. Work for a just transition, empower communities, democratise the economy.

Why we are committed to co-op values:

We want to change how the economy works. Climate change, the extinction crisis, inequality, and the need for a just transition mean we have to find alternative ways for society to organise, create and share resources.

  • Together we are powerful. Working together lets us do amazing things. So far we've set up our community workshop, our shop in Galway Shopping Centre, and created our award winning ReCycle Your Cycle initiative.

  • We want to be a leader of this model for others in Ireland. Not for profit co-ops are common in other countries. We want it to be easier for other groups to do the same here in Ireland.

Our Board

  • Chair: Linda Ward

    With a lifetime of business experience, I have worked with/for companies ranging from multinational stores to solo entrepreneur retailers, charities, social enterprises and not for profits. Whilst I have always had a lifelong interest in the environment, the climate crisis has given this a renewed urgency. I work with organisations where my skills and experience can help them to play their part in creating a liveable planet. I am also an avid gardener/allotmenteer and singer and these activities keep me sane and grounded.

  • Treasurer: Matt Jones

    Matt has been the coordinator since 2016 of Cork Community Bikes, the community bike repair workshop in Cork City. He is a director of Cork Environmental Forum and his main interests are in repair, energy saving and behaviour change towards more sustainable lifestyles. Matt is a blow-in from the UK, where he had 9 years’ experience managing recycling and energy-saving projects in the waste industry. Matt is our Volunteer Representative on the board.

  • Dr. Eoghan Clifford

    Eoghan is Professor and Head of Civil Engineering at the University of Galway. His key research and educational interests lie in areas such as wastewater and water engineering, hydraulics and also in life cycle assessment, sustainable transport and active/inclusive travel. He has been on the board of directors for a number of charities and sporting organisations. Eoghan is a paracycling world champion and bronze medal winner. He also won a gold and bronze medal in cycling at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He has won races at national and international level in able-bodied and paracycling events.

  • Dr. Sinead Mitchell

    Dr Sinéad Mitchell is a lecturer in sustainability at the University of Galway and and an industrial Engineer by background. She has experience as a sustainability consultant, healthcare manufacturing and community development. Her research interests are in sustainable business, sustainable manufacturing, SMEs and the Circular Economy.

  • Frank Greene

    Frank Greene Chartered Director (C.Dir), also awarded LIB, QFA, & APA professional designations. Chairman of Galway Technology Centre DAC; Former President of Galway Chamber of Commerce and current Director; Director Galway Harbour Ltd; Director Chambers Ireland; Alternate on European Economic Committee (EESC); and member of National Monitoring Committee of Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020. Retired Senior Manager of AIB. A native of Kilkenny, Frank has a keen interest in Hurling, Rugby, Golf and Racing.

  • Justin Henshaw


    Justin is a HR professional (CIPD Level 7), a Certified Coach & Mentor with CIPD & a Certified Mediator with the MII, as well as a Restorative Justice Facilitator through the Restorative Justice Council. Recent roles included Head of People & HR for an FMCG business that operates field sales/merchandising teams in Ireland & UK, in addition to Head Office & Contact Centre employees.

  • Malena Thren

    My name is Malena, I studied environmental science at the University of Galway and now work as an ecologist. My work is a natural continuation on from my student engagement for more sustainability and environmental awareness in college, where I organised many big events fore more sustainability through my role as environmental officer, with the organic garden and vegan society and many more groups. During these events I also first came across An Mheitheal Rothar. Now that I am settled in my job i am looking for a new opportunity to get involved again.