Kathy Masterson | Changing Ireland

About The Author

Kathy Masterson worked as a freelance journalist and social media mgr with Changing Ireland from 2022-2024. She previously worked as a journalist and editor in regional newspapers in Limerick, Wexford, Kildare and Dublin. Kathy hails from Dublin and has been living in Co Clare for more than a decade.

Horses were seen as for people with money: Fettercairn Youth Horse Project celebrates 30 years

Posted by Kathy Masterson | May 11, 2025 | Education & Training

There is a racehorse in New Zealand called Fettercairn, which also happens to be the name of an estate in West Tallaght in Dublin. It seems like an odd coincidence, until you realise that the mare’s trainer is Samantha Wynne, a native of Fettercairn whose equestrian skills were fostered as a teenage member of Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (FYHP).
“It’s kind of a little family within the community. The staff here are all local, everybody knows everybody, so it’s really community-based,” said manager Colette Needham.
Thirty years ago, the project got off the ground after strong campaigning and fundraising by local residents, community workers and elected representatives.

Agencies would be at a loss without Traveller culture training workshops

Posted by Kathy Masterson | Dec 6, 2024 | Education & Training

Traveller culture awareness workshops in Co. Wexford are improving the ability of employees in state agencies to deliver services for the Traveller population. The workshops have also been held in primary schools, increasing awareness among the general school population and instilling pride among Traveller children in particular. Such workshops also take place in other counties; we focused on one county to see the difference they make.

€7 million fund to assist thousands of community groups nationwide

Posted by Kathy Masterson | Nov 8, 2024 | Funding Programmes

€7 million in funding is to be provided to community groups under the Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2025.

Hundreds gathered as Sligo LEADER Partnership celebrates 30 years

Posted by Kathy Masterson | Nov 7, 2024 | Development Work

The Sligo LEADER Partnership held a community showcase as part of Local Development Week in early October with hundreds of attendees gathering at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo, to celebrate this milestone event.

New video highlights the importance of community engagement in decision making

Posted by Kathy Masterson | Nov 6, 2024 | Planning & Governance

Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien this week officially launched a new video which aims to support local decision makers, to ensure that disadvantaged communities have real opportunities to be heard in local planning and decision-making processes.

Author: Kathy Masterson