Pictured are the amazing backroom team behind Number 45, without whom this project would not exist. They are (left to right): Noelle Gibbons, Maria Pereira, Anne Tully, Lara Curran, Maria Mulligan, Celline Lehane, Dave Flanagan

Meet Our Team

Our team is committed to creating a safe, non-judgemental creative space for all to enjoy! Here is a little introduction to our team! Feel free to ask any questions when you come in. 

Maria Mulligan, CEO

Maria has always been a committed and enthusiastic  community member.  While she is a qualified social worker, Maria reports that her life experiences as a friend, mother, neighbour and community member, together with insights gained through her work, have equally informed her vision for Number 45.  

Maria says: “Number 45 has come together through hard work, huge commitment from our team, generous and wholehearted support from the board, significant support from government agencies together with an overarching belief by everyone in Sligo CIL that we can be the change we wish to see in our community.”

Maria loves: Family, friendships, time alone in nature, anthropology, music and a chance to dance and let loose every so often!

Rosaleen Doonan, Chair

Rosaleen began her project managing career in the construction sector before moving into the not-for-profit industry and working with the likes of REHAB group and The Carers Association. This move was a good fit for Rosaleen who enjoys bringing people together and integrating all different types of abilities.

Rosaleen says: “Number 45 is welcoming of everyone and it’s a lovely relaxed place. People can drink coffee, play board games, read newspapers, enjoy some company and get to know others. Everyone here is amazing, so it’s lovely to be part of that.”

Rosaleen loves: Running her own business (Like Nu Cleaners), reading and volunteering.

Brenda Donegan, Board Member

Originally from Leitrim, Brenda moved to Sligo in 2003 and has previously worked in admin for the HSE. She enjoys meeting different people and loves the social aspect of her role as board director.

Brenda says: ““I come into Number 45 for tea and a chat once or twice a week. It really brightens up my day seeing the smiling faces of new people.”

Brenda loves: Crossword puzzles, sudoku, radio and tv.

Ambrose Tully, Facilitator

Having studied a variety of courses from fine art to organic farming, sound engineering and willow basket making, Ambrose believes constant learning is good for your mental health. In a previous life, he toured with a number of different bands playing the drums, bass, guitar and electric guitar. Now, you’ll find him playing acoustic guitar on Fridays and Saturdays at Number 45.

Ambrose says: “Number 45 is a great place to chat with people and sharing life experiences. I think music and art are best communicators in life.”

Ambrose loves: Learning, playing music, gardening and organic farming.

Shannon Wheatley, Facilitator

It was during her work experience at Sligo University Hospital that Shannon decided to pursue a career in healthcare. She enjoyed chatting to different patients and taking care of them, so she went on to study a PLC in healthcare and now works as a PA with CIL.  You’ll find her playing board games, making tea/coffee and chatting to people at Number 45 three days a week.

Shannon says: “Everyone is welcome at Number 45 and you’ll always find an interesting bunch of people in the place. I love chatting to everyone who comes in and hearing all their stories.”

Shannon loves: Chatting with people and experimenting with make-up and nail art.

Darwin Fahy, Facilitator (Friday & Saturday Team)

Darwin was a mechanic in London before he decided to follow in the footsteps of his parents and move to Sligo for a slower pace of life. While caring for his mother in the last few years of her life he discovered a love of helping others and so began studying a level 5 healthcare course. Now he works with Sligo CIL on a regular basis and spends two days a week at Number 45.

Darwin says: “I love interacting with people, you never know who’s going to come through the door so it’s always really interesting. Everyone leaves with a picture and a smile, so it’s a happy place to be.”

Darwin loves: Playing reggae instrumental music and clay making.

Keith Murray, Facilitator (Tuesday & Wednesday Team) 

Keith came to Sligo in 2015 to study Fine Art and fell in love with the town and the scenery. Working in sales and retail since he was 16, he’s always enjoyed communicating with people and jumped at the chance to work with people and art. It was during his final year art show that he met Number 45 CEO Maria Mulligan; his art struck a chord with her. Keith is on hand at Number 45 three days a week for a chat, and some arts and crafts.

Keith says: “Everyone has a creative side so it’s nice to see people come in and explore that and become comfortable with art.”

Keith loves: Painting, drawing and chatting.