Welcomemessagefromthe RegionalManager HigherOptions2025 PregnancyandBabyFair2025
PloughingFestival2025 ApprovedIntermediaryCross RegionalBestPracticeDayin Athlone
MoneyManagementEducation andCommunityOutreachinthe region
InFocus:RegionalDRNteamH2Update
ThepoweroftheDRN:Real Impact,RealChange Training&Developmentnews OuryearinReview:2025 HighlightsandMilestones Teamspotlight-Thepeople behindthemoneyadvice
VoiceofLeadership:Meetthe Board–SamCarvill You’reMakingaDifference: WhatOurClientsAreSaying UpdatesfromaroundtheTeam
Smiles,support,andserviceourteaminphotos
ChristmastraditionsinIndia, Philippines,andRomania
YourbestChristmasMovieEver! ReflectionsfromtheHeadofthe Board/LeadershipTeam
WellbeingCorner:SimpleWays toReduceStressOverthe Holidays
Thanksandappreciation!
BYMARYPAEZ HIGHEROPTIONS 2025 �� DublinSouthMABSatHigherOptions2025 From17thto19thSeptember2025,DublinSouthMABStookpartintheHigherOptions eventattheRDS,Ireland’slargestannualeducationandcareerexhibitionforsecondary schoolstudents.
RepresentingDublinSouthMABSwereCharlesRidgeway,JackHealy,MikeLaunders,Linda Groark,MaryPaez,MarionHarvey,andDesFoley,whovolunteeredtheirtimeoverthe threedays.Theeventattractedthousandsofstudents,parents,andteacherseagerto learnaboutfurtherandhighereducation,apprenticeships,andfinancialplanningforthe nextstageoflife.
Ourteamprovidedinformationandpracticaladviceonmanagingmoneyasastudent, budgetingforcollege,andunderstandingthefinancialresponsibilitiesthatcomewith independence Manystudentsandparentsstoppedbytochat,collectinformation leaflets,andaskabouteverydaybudgetingtips especiallyaroundrent,transport,and livingcosts.
BeingpartofHigherOptionsallowedMABStoreachyoungpeopleatakeytransitionpoint intheirlives,helpingthemmakeinformedandconfidentfinancialdecisionsearlyon It wasalsoavaluableopportunitytoraiseawarenessofMABS’serviceswithguidance counsellorsandschoolstaff.
AbigthankyoutoCharlesRidgway,JackHealy, MikeLaunders,LindaGroark,MaryPaez,Marion Harvey,andDesFoleyforrepresentingDublin SouthMABSwithsuchenthusiasmand professionalism.Youreffortsensuredthatour message thatit’snevertooearlytostart buildinggoodmoneyhabits—reachedthenext generation.
PREGNANCYAND BABYFAIR2025 BYMARYPAEZ
�� DublinSouthMABSatthePregnancy&BabyFair OnOctober4thand5th,DublinSouthMABSproudlytookpartinthePregnancy&Baby FairattheRDSinDublin oneofIreland’slargesteventsforexpectantparentsand families.
RepresentingDublinSouthMABSatthestandwereFionaSutton,FionaCullen,Bernard Carty,GrahamO’Reilly,andMaryPaez,whovolunteeredtheirtimeacrossthetwobusy days.Theteamengagedwithmanyvisitors,sharingpracticalmoneymanagementtips andinformationaboutthefreeandconfidentialsupportsavailablethroughMABS.
Inpreparationfortheevent,MaryPaezandGwenHarrisdevelopedabrand-newleaflet titled“PlanningforBaby–PracticalTipsfromMABS”Theleafletoffersstraightforward guidancefornewandexpectantparentsonbudgeting,planningformaternityand paternityleave,andmanagingtheextracoststhatcomewithagrowingfamily.The newresourcewasverywellreceivedatthefairandwillnowbeaddedtotheMABS NationalLibrary,makingitavailableforusebyofficesacrossthecountry.
TheeventalsoprovidedagreatopportunitytocollaboratewithCitizensInformation, whosharedthestandandhelpedraiseawarenessofbothservices.Visitorsparticularly appreciatedthesupportiveanddown-to-earthadviceonfamilybudgeting,childcare costs,andfinancialplanningforthemonthsahead.
AbigthankyoutoFionaSutton,FionaCullen,Bernard,Graham,andMaryfor representingDublinSouthMABSsopositively,andtoMaryandGwenfortheirworkin developingthisvaluablenewresource.
PLOUGHINGFESTIVAL 2025 BYLORRAINEWATERS �� MABSattheNationalPloughing Championships2025 The National Ploughing Championships took place this year in Screggan, Co. Offaly, drawing huge crowds from across the country for three days of community, innovation, and Irish tradition MABS was once again proud to be part of the event, welcoming visitors to our stand to chat about money management, budgeting, and the range of supports we offer nationwide.
I, Lorraine Waters represented Dublin South MABS at the event, volunteering my time to engage with the public and share information about how MABS can help individuals and families manage their finances with confidence. The stand saw steady footfallthroughouttheweek,withplentyofgreatconversations andgenuineinterestfrompeoplelookingforbudgetingadvice, tips on dealing with debt, and general financial wellbeing guidance
The Ploughing Championships continue to be an excellent opportunity for MABS to meet people face-to-face, promote awareness of our services, and reach rural communities who maynotalwaysbeawareofthesupportavailable
ItisahugehonourtorepresentDublinSouthMABSinthisevent — helping to ensure our message reached people far beyond theDublinarea.
REGIONALBESTPRACTICEDAYIN ATHLONE BYMARYPAEZ On10thSeptember,membersoftheDublinSouthMABSteam MarieClarke,Lorraine Waters,EdelAlfred,FionaCullen,MaryPaezandJasonJalet attendedtheApproved Intermediary(AI)ServiceBestPracticeDayheldattheAislingSpringsHotel.
TheeventbroughttogetherAIsandmanagersfromacrosstheregionstoshare learning,discusschallenges,andhighlightexamplesofbestpracticeintheDebtRelief Notice(DRN)process.Itwasaproductivedayfilledwithcollaboration,updatesfrom theInsolvencyServiceofIreland(ISI),andvaluableinsightsfromDublinCityCouncil (DCC).
DublinSouthMABSwasproudlyrepresentedbyFionaCullen,whopresentedaDRN casestudyduringthesession.Fiona’spresentationshowcasedthepracticalimpactof theDRNprocessforclientsanddemonstratedtheprofessionalismanddedicationof theDublinSouthMABSteam.ShealsoparticipatedasoneofthepanellistsintheQ&A discussion,sharingherexperienceandrespondingtoqueriesfromcolleaguesacross thenetwork.
KeythemesfromthedayincludedstrengtheningconsistencyinDRNapplications, enhancingcommunicationwithlocalauthorities,andcontinuingtoshareknowledge betweenregions ThecollaborationbetweenMABS,ISI,andDCCwaspraisedasan excellentexampleofeffectivepartnershipinaction.
AllresourcesandpresentationsfromthedayareavailableintheMABSFileShare Library,underCommunityofPractice&CrossRegionalEvents.
AbigthankyoutoMary,Marie,Lorraine,Edel,Fiona,andJasonforattendingand representingDublinSouthMABS Yourengagementandcontributionshelpensurewe continuetodeliverahighstandardofserviceandsupporttoclientsnavigatingthe DRNprocess.
REGION CommunityEducationTalkatSt.Michael’sHouse OnFriday,4thOctober,EdelAlfredandEmmadeliveredanengagingcommunity educationtalkatSt.Michael’sHouse.
Thesessionfocusedonunderstandingandmanagingfinances,withdiscussionson budgetingwhileonadisabilitypayment,reducingspending,andpracticalwaystosave. Thegroupwasenthusiasticandparticipatedactivelythroughoutthetalk,sharingtheir owninsightsandexperiences.
TheSt Michael’sHouseteamexpressedtheirappreciationforthevisitandnotedhow valuablethediscussionwasforattendees.Theyalsoplantosharehighlightsfromthe sessionontheirsocialmediaplatforms
WelldonetoEdelandEmmaforanothersuccessfulcommunityoutreacheventpromoting financialwellbeingandempowerment!
-EmmaKearneyandEdelAlfred TallaghtOffice
JanesPlaceMerchantsQuay DebbieO’Grady&I,LorraineWaters ofLombardStreetrecentlycarriedoutanMMEsession inanall-femaleservicethatoffersone-to-oneandgroupsupporttowomenwhoare dealingwithhomelessnessandaddictionissues ItisaservicewhichispartofMerchants QuayIreland,wasfoundedin2022andiscalledJanesPlace,situatedinPearseSt.The servicewelcomewomenandofferthemasafe,warm,andwelcomingenvironmentthat providesholistic,traumainformedservicessuchasWellbeingGroups,Self-CareDaysand Psycho-educationalhealth,tonamebutafew
AspartofourMMEplan,wecontactedJanesPlaceaswefeltthatthewomenattending wouldbenefitfromourCEtalks
Thegrouphadmainlyhomelessproblems,likebuying,storing&cookingfoodwhilein hostels,managingmoneywiththeiraddictions,clothingetc Wearrangedourtalkingreat detail,havingtobeawareofsensitiveissuestheywerefacedwith. WhilethemajoritywerehomelessorlivinginHostelstherewasaladyinthegroupwhowas intheprocessofgettingthekeystoanapartment.WelinkedinwithaMoneyAdviserinour officetogetadvicearoundtheHHB,planningandmanagingtopayrentandbills
Thefeedbackwereceivedwasexcellentforme&Debbie,thiswasaveryrewardingMME session,andwealsolearnedsomuchfromthem Attheendofthesession,weaskedforagroupphotowithoutanyconsiderationfortheir dignity,(addiction&homelessness).Abiglessonheretoallofusaroundawareness& sensitivitiesofthegroupswearedealingwith.
-LorraineWatersandDebbieO’Grady LombardStreet
MABSVisittoCHICrumlin–SupportingFinancialWellbeing On25thSeptember,volunteersMikeLaundersandBernardCarthyspentthedayatCHI Dublin,OurLady’sChildren’sHospital,Crumlin,sharingadviceandinformationonmoney managementandfinancialwellbeing.
Theeventprovidedanexcellentopportunitytomeetwithhospitalstaff,discussfinancial challenges,andhighlightthefreeandconfidentialsupportavailablethroughMABS.The teamreportedfantasticengagementthroughouttheday,withmanygreat conversationsandastrongsenseofcommunityandsupport
AhugethankyoutoCHICrumlinforthewarmwelcomeandtoeveryonewhostopped bytochat MABSlooksforwardtocontinuingthispositivecollaborationandreturningin thefuturetoofferfurtherguidanceonmanagingmoneyandbudgetingeffectively.
-MikeLaundersandBernardCarthy CrumlinOffice
CommunityInformationSessionatClondalkinLibrary On17thSeptember,JenniferMcHughandJoanneFanning facilitatedanengaging communityinformationsessionatClondalkinLibrary.
Althoughthegroupwassmallinnumber,attendeeswerehighlyengaged—asking thoughtfulquestions,sharingexperiences,andtakingpartinlivelydiscussions aboutbudgeting,financialwellbeing,andmoneymanagement.The conversationsweremeaningfulandinteractive,makingitatrulyworthwhileevent foreveryoneinvolved.
Abigthankyoutoallwhoattendedforyourenthusiasmandparticipation,andto ClondalkinLibraryforhostingthisvaluablecommunitysession.Eventslikethese continuetostrengthenMABS’missionofpromotingfinancialawarenessand empowermentinourlocalcommunities.
-JenniferMcHughandJoanneFallon ClondalkinOffice
ANDCOMMUNITYOUTREACHINTHEREGION PositiveAgeingWeek–MoneyManagementSession atRosemountFRC AspartofPositiveAgeingWeek,ElizabethKellyandCharlesRidgeway facilitateda MoneyManagementEducationSessionatRosemountFamilyResourceCentreon Monday,29thSeptember.
Thesessionfocusedonthetopicofsavings,offeringpracticaltipsandadviceonhow tomakethemostofyourmoney,planahead,andbuildfinancialconfidence. Participantsenjoyedanopenandfriendlydiscussionaboutmanagingday-to-day finances,sharingtheirownexperiencesandideasonhowtosaveeffectively.
Itwasagreatopportunitytoconnectwiththelocalcommunityinawelcomingand supportivesetting.AwarmthankyoutoRosemountFRCfortheinvitationand hospitality.MABSisalwaysdelightedtobepartofeventsthatpromotefinancial wellbeingandcommunitysupport.
-ElizabethKellyandCharlesRidgway Dundrumoffice
InMay,EdelAlfred,deliveredaFinancialWellnesstalkfortheDublin24Women’sShed.
The session covered a range of practical money management topics including who MABSare,howtocontacttheservice,howtostartabudget,trackspending,andtipson cutting back on expenses. Approximately 40 people attended the session, creating a livelyandinteractiveatmospherefilledwithgreatconversationandsharedlearning.
Participantswereenthusiasticandcontributedvaluableinsightsoftheirown including creative ideas for saving money and making the most of resources. One attendee shared her experience of growing her own fruit and vegetables, highlighting how affordableandhealthythiscanbe.
The event was also featured on the group’s Facebook page, helping to spread awarenessofthesupportsavailablethroughMABS.
AbigthankyoutotheDublin24Women’sShedforthewarmwelcomeandengagement inpromotingfinancialwellbeinginthecommunity
-EdelAlfred TallaghtOffice
The3MA’sfromClondalkinmetthe3CWO’sfromClondalkinDSPlastweekforacoffee morning.Itwasveryworthwhileforustomeettheminpersontoputfacestonamesand tobuildourrelationshipwiththemasoverthelastfewyearstherehasbeenafewstaff changeswithbothusandthem Itwasgreattohearwhatissuestheyarefacingand whathelpisavailableforourclients.
Wegotabetterunderstandingoftheircriteriaandapplicationprocess.Wealsoadvised themonhowwecanhelpclientsparticularlyaroundestablishingrepayment arrangementsforgasandelectricitybillsandourreferralprocess Wehopetomeet morelocalstakeholdersinClondalkinthenewyeartobuildupourcontactssowecan betterassistourclients
-JenniferMcHugh,Clondalkin
INFOCUS: THEREGIONALDRNTEAM-H2UPDATE BYMARIECLARKE BYFIONACULLENANDJASONJALET
TRAININGANDDEVELOPMENT NEWS BYMARYPAEZ
SecondRound“Dealingwith DifficultClients”Training–8th September2025 Followingthesuccessofthefirstsession earlierthisyear,we’repleasedtoannounce thesecondroundofour“DealingwithDifficult Clients”training,takingplaceonMonday,8th September2025,intheTwilightTrainingRoom from9:00amto4:00pm.
FacilitatedbyJoanneO’BrienofDCMLearning, thisinteractivesessionwillbuildonthe excellentfeedbackreceivedfromattendees ofthefirstround,whopraisedthepractical strategiesandengagingdiscussionsit provided
Thisfollow-upsessioncontinuesour commitmenttosupportingstaffinmanaging challengingclientinteractionswith confidenceandprofessionalism. Welookforwardtoanotherproductiveand insightfuldayoflearningandsharing experiences.
Attendees: Charles Ridgway, Jason Jalet, Lucia Mihaescu , Edel Alfred , Emma Kearney ,Susan Bermingham ,Caitriona Farrell, Bernard Carthy ,Alan McNulty ,Fiona Cullen,EdelLehaneandMarionHarvey
DRIVE-DrugRelatedIntimidation& ViolenceEngagement-Training
JenniferMcHugh,EdelAlfred,MarionDoyle and EmmaKearneyattendedtheDrivetraining session.
DRIVE(DrugRelatedIntimidation&Violence Engagement)isaninteragencyprojectwith systemsandstructurestorespondtodrugrelated intimidationandassociatedviolence(DRIV)in Ireland.TheprojectisfundedbytheDepartment ofHealththroughitsdruginitiative.
ThekeyobjectiveoftheDRIVEPROJECTisto supportthoseexperiencingdrugrelated intimidationandtobuildthecapacityof communitiesaroundIrelandtorespondtodrugrelatedintimidationandviolence
Kathythetraineradvisedthatshewillbeoffering additionaltrainingthroughouttheyearandwilllet MABSknowwhensootherstaffcanattend,the ladies allfounditworthwhile!
-Attendees:JenniferMcHugh,EdelAlfred,Marion DoyleandEmmaKearney
TRAININGANDDEVELOPMENTNEWS SharePointandMicrosoftTeamsCollaborationTraining On Tuesday, 11th November, Service Delivery Administrators from across Dublin South MABS attended a SharePoint (End Users) and Microsoft Teams Collaboration Training sessionattheIACTTrainingCentre,Dublin2.
ThetrainingprovidedparticipantswithacomprehensiveintroductiontoSharePointand Teams, focusing on navigating the interface, managing files and libraries, and improving collaboration across the organisation The session also covered how SharePoint integrates with Outlook and Teams, offering practical guidance on sharing andretrievingdocuments,versioncontrol,andmanagingaccesspermissions.
Delivered by IACT, the session was highly informative and hands-on, giving staff the opportunitytodeveloptheirdigitalskillsandconfidenceinusingthesekeycollaboration tools.
Participants found the training extremely useful and appreciated the chance to enhance their knowledge of platforms that play such an important role in day-to-day communicationandteamworkacrossMABS
Attendees:
DeirdreO'Callaghan,AileenLynch,LuciaMihaescu,SandraCorcoran ,ColetteWallace,JohnLeen,NicolaKelleher,MaryKeys,Elaine McGillicuddyandEdelLehane
OURYEARINREVIEW:2025 As2025drawstoaclose,it’stheperfecttimetolookbackandreflectonwhathas beenanotherbusy,challenging,andrewardingyearforDublinSouthMABS
Throughouttheyear,ourteamhascontinuedtoprovidefree,confidential,and independentmoneyadviceanddebtsupporttoindividualsandfamiliesacrossthe community.Thededication,compassion,andteamworkshownbystaffhaveonce againmadearealdifferencetothelivesofourclients
Thisyearsawussupportclientsthroughawiderangeofissues frombudgeting andincomemaximisationtocomplexdebtcasesandmortgagearrears Our adviserscontinuedtoworktirelesslytohelpclientsfindsustainablesolutionsand regaincontroloftheirfinances
Keyfiguresfor2025:
DebtReliefNotices(DRNs)
Mortgagecases(DMAs)Newclients,activeclients,CasesprogresstoPIP,casesin Court,clientsgivenAbhaile,CasesinMTRetc.
MoneyAdviceactivecases:Newclients,activeclients,dischargedclients,etc
Othernotabledata:
Beyondcasework,theteamalsoplayedanactiveroleincommunityoutreach, education,andawareness,deliveringworkshops,attendinglocalevents,andlinking withothersupportservices.TheseeffortshelpedraiseawarenessofMABSand ensuredmorepeopleknewwheretoturnforhelpwhenfacingfinancialpressure.
Beyondcasework,theteamalsoplayedanactiveroleincommunityoutreach, education,andawareness,deliveringworkshops,attendinglocalevents,andlinking withothersupportservices.TheseeffortshelpedraiseawarenessofMABSand ensuredmorepeopleknewwheretoturnforhelpwhenfacingfinancialpressure.
WealsocontinuedtostrengthenourpartnershipsthroughMMEevents,collaborative initiatives,andsharedlearningacrossthewiderMABSnetwork ensuringthatour clientsbenefitfromconsistent,high-qualitysupport.
MMEevents
LocalCommunityEvent NationalEvents ActiveOutreach
Aswemoveinto2026,DublinSouthMABSremainscommittedtoourmission:helping peopletomanagetheirmoney,tackledebt,andbuildfinancialconfidenceforthe future.
Aheartfeltthankyoutoeverymemberofourteamforyourprofessionalism, empathy,andteamworkthroughouttheyear.Together,we’vemadeareal difference
WishingeveryoneapeacefulandhappyChristmas,andhere’stoanotheryearof makinganimpactin2026!
Warmregards,
TheDublinSouthMABSManagementTeam
BEHINDTHEMONEYADVICE! JohnLeen,Regional Administrator
IamanIrishcitizenofIndianoriginandhavemade Irelandmyhomefornearly18years.Withapost graduatedegreeincommerceandexperiencein themerchantshippingandlogisticssectors,Ihave builtasolidfoundationinadministrationand accounts.
Currently,IworkasServiceDeliveryAdministrator withSouthDublinMABS,Dundrum,whereItakepride inmyattentiontodetailandcommitmenttodoing mybesteverydaykeepingthecompany’sinterests attheforefront.Iamextremelyeagertosharethe knowledgeandexperience,Ihavegatheredthusfar andsupplementmycareerinthisnewdomain. Haverecentlyachievedadistinctioninthe PurchasingandProcurementCourse,whichreflects mydriveinupdatingprofessionaldevelopmentand skills
Beyondwork,I’maproudfatheroftwosons.My oldersonismarried,andI’mdelightedtosharethatI wasrecentlypromotedinthefamilytreetoGrand Dad–amilestoneItreasureandcherish!
VOICESOFLEADERSHIP: MEETTHEBOARD Sam is a Chartered Accountant and currently leads the risk and financial analysisfunctionsatDublin-basedaircraftleasingfirmDynamAviation Prior tothis,heworkedwithAirbusinbothDublinandToulouse,holdingrolesinrisk managementandfinancialaccounting.
Alongside his professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant, Sam holdsaBAinInternationalBusinessandFrenchfromTechnologicalUniversity Dublin.
A passionate sports fan, he follows football closely particularly Liverpool FC and enjoys playing and watching golf. Sam is pleased to join the board of Dublin South MABS, driven by a strong belief in the charity’s mission to support individuals and families experiencing debt distress, while also promotingfinancialeducationwithinlocalcommunities
SamCarvill
YOU’REMAKINGADIFFERENCE: WHATOURCLIENTSARESAYING Aswecometotheendofanotherbusyyear,it’stheperfecttimetopauseandreflect ontheincredibleimpactourworkhashadincommunitiesacrossDublinSouthMABS. Everyconversation,workshop,andpieceofadvicesharedhashelpedindividualsand familiesfeelmoreconfidentabouttheirfinancesandtheirfutures.
Thissectionhighlightsthevoicesofthosewhomattermost ourclients.Theirwords reminduswhytheworkwedoissoimportantandhow,throughcompassionand commitment,wecontinuetomakearealdifferenceinpeople’slives
�� Here’swhatsomeofourclientshadtosaythisyear.
Thankyousomuchforallyour helpandgettingsuchagood resultforme-you'vebeenvery kindandpersistent!
Ijustwantedtocontactyoutosay wegotthecarersAllowanceand wouldliketoThankyouforyour helpandappreciateeverything youhavedoneforus.
Iwantedtosaythankstoyouasyour averywarmpersonwhoisveryeasy todealwithandtookthetimeoutto bewillingtohelp.Soonceagainthank youforeverything
Iwasinafinancialsituationbutwith thehelpoftheMAinDunLaoghaire brancheverythingisfinenow.Iwish, could'vegivemorethan10butit'snot possible BigThankstomyMAandthe MABSteamforhelpingmeout
Thankyousomuchforsupplyingthat information,Ireallyappreciateit Wishingyouallthebest Onceagain thankyouforallthehelpyougaveme whenIwasstruggling,youarevery suitedtoyourjob!
Everythingwaswonderful,and yourstaffarebothcompetent andfriendly Thankyou
ThankstotheMAinDunLaoghaire Officeforyourhelpandthe extendedmeetingwhichyouput alotofeffortinto
Iwasinaveryunstableposition, thebankwereringingme everyday Mabsbasicallysaved mylife,bytakingallofthestress awayfromme!
Thankyousomuchforallyour helpandgettingsuchagood resultforme-you'vebeenvery kindandpersistent!
Friendlystaffwillingtohelp youandgoodadvisors
Myadvisorisveryconsiderateand goesaboveandbeyondto communicateandcontinuetohelp mewithmyfinancialissuesandto understandwhereI’mcomingfrom.
Thankyousomuchforallyour helpandgettingsuchagood resultforme-you'vebeenvery kindandpersistent!
Thankyousomuchforallyour helpandgettingsuchagood resultforme-you'vebeenvery kindandpersistent!
YOU’REMAKINGADIFFERENCE: WHATOURCLIENTSARESAYING CONTINUED...
TheMAwasveryreceptivetoqueriesregardingcustomersfinancialstatementsand alwaysrespondstoourqueriesingreatdetail Wehavehadadifficultcasewherea clienthadbothbranchandSBCIloansthatwereallgrade8andthecustomer’s businesshadfailedduetohisillhealth Hispaymentprotectiontookawhiletobepaid sohehadnofundsforanything,andtheyweredueababy,oncethePPIwaspaid,we wereabletorefundthemoneytohimtoallowthemtoprepareforthearrivaloftheir baby Sineadwasdelightedthatwewereabletohelphimandtakesomeofthestress offhisshoulders BoththecustomerandMABSsentinacompliment
Iliketothankpersonallymy MAinDunLaoghaireofficefor hisprofessionalguidanceand supportinhelpingmesettle mybankdebt Hisexpertise, patienceandunderstanding madeaverystressfulprocess somuchmoremanageable I wasgreatlyrelievedtohave himactasanintermediary betweenthebankandmyself
ASWELOOKAHEADTOANEWYEAR,LET’SCARRYTHISPOSITIVEENERGYFORWARD THE FEEDBACKWERECEIVEISNOTONLYAREFLECTIONOFOURCOLLECTIVEEFFORT,BUTALSOA REMINDEROFTHETRUSTPEOPLEPLACEINMABSEVERYDAY.
THANKYOUTOEVERYONEACROSSTHESERVICEFORYOURHARDWORK,EMPATHY,AND DEDICATIONTHROUGHOUTTHEYEAR TOGETHER,WE’VEMADEAREALDIFFERENCE—ANDWE LOOKFORWARDTOBUILDINGONTHATSUCCESSINTHEYEARAHEAD!
UPDATESFROMAROUNDTHETEAM FarewellandBestWishestoNoeleenCorrigan NextFebruary,wewillsayafondfarewelltoNoeleenCorrigan,ourServiceDelivery AdministratorintheDundrumandDúnLaoghaireoffices,asshebeginsherwell-earned retirement.
NoeleenhasbeenavaluedmemberoftheMABSteamformanyyears,bringing exceptionaldedication,professionalism,andwarmthtoherwork Herattentiontodetail, calmefficiency,andsupportivenaturehavebeeninstrumentalinensuringthesmooth runningofourofficesandinsupportingbothstaffandclientsalike.
ColleaguesdescribeNoeleenassomeonewhocanalwaysbereliedupon organized, kind,andreadywithawordofencouragementoratouchofhumourwhenit’sneeded most.Herdeepknowledgeoftheserviceandhercommitmenttohelpingothershave madeheranintegralpartoftheMABScommunity.
AsNoeleenpreparestoembarkonthisexcitingnewchapter,wewanttoexpressour sinceregratitudeforheryearsofserviceandfriendship Shewillbegreatlymissedby everyoneinDundrum,DúnLaoghaire,andacrossDublinSouthMABS.
Wewishheralltheverybestforahappy,healthy,andfulfillingretirement filledwith relaxation,laughter,andplentyoftimetoenjoythethingsshelovesmost.
H2Recentstaffappointments JoanneFallon–PermanentMoneyAdviser,Tallaght/Clondalkin
JenniferDoyle–PermanentServiceDeliveryAdministrator,Tallaght/Clondalkin
MarionHarvey–MoneyAdviser,TemporaryFullTimeBackfillDMA,Ballyfermot
JohnLeen–PermanentServiceDeliveryAdministrator,RegionalOffice
Welldoneeveryoneandcongratulations!
We’redelightedtoextendaverywarmwelcometoournewschemeworkerswhohave recentlyjoinedtheDublinSouthMABSteam.
JoiningtheBallyfermotofficeareSallyCoffeyandLisaMcMahon,bringingtheir enthusiasmandfreshperspectivestotheteam.FromtheDúnLaoghaireoffice,we’re pleasedtowelcomeEdelLehane,andintheDundrumoffice,we’rejoinedbyShunHingMin andAlexanderKomarov.
Eachofournewcolleaguesbringsvaluableskills,experience,andenergytotheirroles, andweareconfidenttheywillmakeafantasticcontributiontotheworkwedosupporting clientsandpromotingfinancialwellbeinginourcommunities.
We’retrulygratefultohavethemonboardandlookforwardtoworkingtogetherasthey settleintotheirnewroles.Averywarmwelcometotheteam,Sally,Lisa,Edel,Shun,and Alexander!
BoardUpdate Aftersixyears,AoifeFayhascompletedhersecondandfinaltermasavolunteerDirector oftheBoard.
Duringthistime,Aoifemadeasignificantandlastingcontributiontotheorganisation She broughtvision,expertise,andabalancedperspectivetoallareasofBoardactivity.Aoife playedakeyleadershiproleontheFinance,AuditandRiskCommittee(FARC),includinga periodasChair.
InadditiontoherworkonFARC,AoifewasalsoanactivememberoftheHumanResources CommitteeandservedasCompanySecretary.Sheplayedakeyroleinliaisingwith auditorsandpreparingforeachAGM.WhileAoifewillbegreatlymissedatBoardlevel,we arepleasedthatshehasagreedtoremaininvolvedforaperiodasavolunteermember oftheFARC.Hercontinuedsupportanddeepknowledgeoftheorganisationwillbeofreal benefitduringthistransition
Atthesametime,wearedelightedtowelcomeSamCarvillasanewmemberofthe Board.
WelookforwardtoworkingwithSamandareconfidentthathisexperienceand perspectivewillbringgreatvaluetotheBoard.
CHRISTMASTRADITIONSININDIA, PHILIPPINES,ANDROMANIA Thefestiveseasoniscelebratedinmanywonderfulwaysaroundtheworld,eachwith itsownspecialcustomsandtraditions.Thisyear,someofourcolleaguessharedhow Christmasiscelebratedintheirhomecountries.
JohnLeetellsusaboutIndia,wherevibrantlightsandjoyfulgatheringsmarkthe season.MaryPaezshareshowChristmasinthePhilippinesisfilledwithmusic,family, andcelebrationsthatbeginasearlyasSeptember.AndLuciaMihaescugivesusa glimpseofRomania,wherecarols,festivefeasts,andcommunityspiritmakethe seasontrulyspecial.
Whereverwecelebrate,Christmasbringsustogetherthroughwarmth,gratitude,and joy.
India ByJohnLeen
CHRISTMAS is a time of joy and togetherness all over the world. In India and in Ireland, the festival is celebrated with great devotion, but in different styles that reflecttheiruniquecultures.
TheeventisobservedwithgreatdevotioninthesouthernmostpartofIndia,Kerala also known as God's own country. Christians in Kerala customarily fast and pray from1stofDecemberto24thinpreparationforChristmas.Thefastisintendedtobe a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus and involves abstaining from eating specific foods, especially meat and dairy products People clean and decorate their homes with stars, cribs, and Christmas trees. Carol groups visit houses singing songs, and bakeries are filled with the smell of plum cakes and homemadewine.
OnChristmasEve,peopleattendmidnightmassinbeautifullylitchurches,followed byfamilyfeastswithdisheslikeappam(hoppers)andduckstew,roastchicken,and Christmas cake Christmas is celebrated by people of all religions, showing India’s spirit of unity. In Ireland, Christmas preparations also begin early in December. Homesaredecoratedwithholywreaths,andcandles,andfamilieslightacandlein thewindowonChristmasEvetowelcomeMaryandJoseph Peopleattendmidnight or morning mass and enjoy festive meals of roast turkey, ham, stuffing and Christmaspudding
CHRISTMASTRADITIONSININDIA, PHILIPPINES,ANDROMANIA TheholidaycontinueswithSt.Stephen’sDayonDecember26th, filledwithfamilygatheringsandoutdooractivities. Thoughthecustomsdiffer,bothIndiaandIrelandcelebrateChristmaswithlove,faith, peaceandjoyofspreadingthetruespiritoftheseasonandgoodwilltoall.
Ifthere’sonecountrythattrulyembracestheChristmasspiritwithopenarms and forthelongesttime it’sthePhilippines.WhileIrelandisknownforitscozywinter celebrations,warmpubgatherings,andcarol-filledchurches,theFilipinoChristmasis atropicalexplosionoflight,music,food,andfamilythatbeginsasearlyasSeptember.
TheLongestChristmasSeasonintheWorld
InIreland,ChristmasdecorationstypicallyappearinDecember,butinthePhilippines, theholidayspiritawakensassoonasthe“-ber”monthsbegin.BySeptember,malls andradiostationsarealreadyplayingChristmassongs—oftenthosebythebeloved JoseMariChan.Homes,schools,andevenpublictransportstarttoshimmerwith festivecheermonthsbeforeDecemberarrives
Philippines
ByMaryPaez
CHRISTMASTRADITIONSININDIA,PHILIPPINES,AND ROMANIA TheParol:ASymbolofHope NocheBuena:AFeastofTogetherness
ChristmasEveinthePhilippinesmeans NocheBuena,agrandmidnightfeast sharedwithfamilyandfriendsafter attendingthefinalSimbangGabi The tableoverflowswithdishessuchas lechon(roastpig),hamon(Christmas ham),quesodebola(edamcheese),and sweettreatslikebuko(coconut)salad andbibingka. Filipinogatheringstendtobelarger, louder,andfilledwithkaraoke!
Insteadofhollywreathsormistletoe,Filipinohomes proudlydisplaytheparol,acolorfulstar-shaped lanternmadefrombambooandpaper.It symbolizestheStarofBethlehemandservesasa beaconoffaithandhope.Everyneighborhoodhas itsownparol-makingcontest,andstreetsglowwith countlesslights.Incontrast,Irishhomesaremore likelytofeatureAdventcandles,wreaths,and twinklingfairylights.
SimbangGabi/MisaDeGallo:Faithand Fellowship
InthePhilippines,thenine-daySimbangGabi /MisaDeGallo(NightMass)traditionbegins onDecember16.Catholicsattenddawn massesasaspiritualpreparationfor ChristmasDay.Aftermass,churchgoersenjoy traditionalsnackslikebibingka(ricecake cookedovercoals)andputobumbong (purplestickyricewithcoconutandsugar).
Bibingka
Puto Bumbong
Romania
ByLuciaMihaescu
Whetheryou’reloyaltoElf,canquoteHomeAlonebyheart,orsecretlythinkDieHard countsasaChristmasfilm,weallhavethatfestivefavourite.Here’swhattheDublinSouth MABSstaffvotedastheirmust-watchholidaymovies!
Reasonswhystarwars,wellit’s starwars �� itwasandstillisafamilyfavourite,lots offondmemoriesovertheyearssitting downwatchingitasafamily,andtome notmatterwhatfilmisonitshavingyour familyallaroundyouthatmakes Christmasforme.
-DarrelleJesseau,DunLaoghaire
MyfavouriteChristmasfilmofalltimeisIt’sAWonderfulLife(Frank Capra,1946).
ThefilmisverylooselybasedonCharlesDickens’“AChristmasCarol”. ThefilmstarsJamesStewartasGeorgeBailey,amanwhohasgiven uponlifeafterthefamilybankbusinessfails,duetoaninnocenterror byhisuncleandco-partner
Thinkinghimselfworthlesshavinglostallhiscustomer’smoney,George contemplatessuicideashislifeinsurancepolicywillleavehisfamily solvent,howeverheisstoppedinhisplansbyClarence,anAngelsent onhisfirstmissiontoearthtosaveGeorge.
Despitethesomewhatdownbeatstoryline,It’sAWonderfulLifehasall theelementsofaclassicChristmastaleandneverfailstohithardno matterhowmanytimesIseeit.
-DesFoley,LombardStreet
MyfavouriteChristmasmovieis“Elf”.It’s hilariousandsentimentalandwewatchit asafamilyeveryChristmasgoingback21 yearsnow
-BernardCarthy,Crumlin
IlovewatchingtheSnowmanonChristmas Eve,can’trememberayearImissedit FavouriteChristmasmovieisprobablyDie Hardalthoughsomeseemtothinkitisn’t one.
-JackHealy,DunLaoghaire
REFLECTIONSFROMTHEHEADOF THEBOARD HOLIDAYS �� WellbeingCorner:SimpleWaysto ReduceStressOvertheHolidays
Aswewrapupanotherbusyyear,it’simportanttotakeamomenttolookafter ourselves too. The Christmas period can be full of joy but also pressure, noise, and long to-do lists. Here are a few simple, practical ways to help ease stressandmakethemostofthebreakahead:
�� 1 Stepawayandbreathe Takeashortwalkoutside,listentoyourfavourite music, or practice slow breathing for a few minutes. Even small pauses can makeabigdifference.
�� 2. Don’t overfill your days. It’s okay to say no. Leave time for rest and unplannedmoments they’reoftentheonesthatrestoreusmost
�� 3.Bekindtoyourwallet.Keepspendingrealisticandavoidcomparingyour plans to others A thoughtful message or homemade treat means just as muchasapriceygift.
�� 4.Disconnecttorecharge.Tryafewscreen-freehourseachday.Switchoff emailandsocialmedianotificationstogiveyourmindabreak.
�� 5.Leanonyoursupportnetwork.Reachouttocolleagues,friends,orfamilyif you’refeelingstretched You’renotalone connectionlightenstheload
�� 6.Reflectandcelebrate.Takeprideinwhatyou’veachievedthisyear both aspartofDublinSouthMABSandinyourpersonallife.
Agentlereminder:Theworkwedocanbedemanding,andtakingtimetorest is part of sustaining the care we give others. Wishing all staff and board membersapeaceful,relaxing,andwell-deservedholidayseason.
FromtheDublinSouthMABSManagementTeam
WITHTHANKSAND APPRECIATION! AswecloseoutourWinter/Autumn2025edition,wewanttoextendaheartfelt thankyoutoeveryonewhohascontributedarticles,photos,ideas,andstories throughouttheyear Theresponsetoourfirstnewsletterhasbeenfantastic—filled withenthusiasm,creativity,andatruesenseofteamspiritacrossDublinSouth MABS.
Yourcontributionshavemadeeacheditionarealcelebrationofthepeople,work, andcommunitythatmakeourservicesospecial We’resogratefulforthetimeand efforteveryonehasputintosharetheirexperiencesandachievements.
Aswelookforwardtoanewyear,we’dliketowishyouallaveryMerryChristmas andahappy,healthy,andpeacefulNewYear.Maythefestiveseasonbringplenty ofjoy,laughter,andwell-deservedrest
Withwarmestwishes, MaryPaez&MarionHarvey
