OUR team

Michael’s undergraduate degree is from Cardiff Metropolitan University, and he holds an MSc in Project and Programme Management from University of Limerick. Michael’s career has largely been in finance, and he currently works in Project Management in the investment funds industry. Michael joined the board as a director in 2024.

Marie McSweeney is a Finance Projects and Treasury specialist with strong expertise in operational improvement and stakeholder engagement. Working at the intersection of finance and technology, she develops practical solutions that make complex systems easier to use.

Her emerging focus is digital inclusion, particularly supporting older adults to participate confidently in an increasingly digital world. Community-centred and grounded in practice, Marie also contributes to digital education initiatives.

She is a Fellow of ACCA and holds a BSc in Finance from University College Cork, along with a Professional Diploma in Digital and Data Analytics from the Institute of Banking.

Trish Bourke is the Enterprise Risk Management Officer at the University of Limerick, leading the University’s enterprise risk strategy and embedding a culture of proactive, evidence-based governance. She represents UL on the Irish Universities’ Risk Group and the Universities Business Continuity Practice Committee, driving collaboration and best practice across the higher education sector.

With over two decades of experience in governance, finance, and compliance, Trish has a proven track record of strengthening institutional resilience through strategic risk management. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Limerick, an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies and Accounting from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), and a Diploma in Risk Management, Internal Audit and Compliance from Chartered Accountants Ireland.

A professional member of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM), Trish is currently pursuing a PhD in Risk Management, focusing on advancing strategic risk governance and decision-making frameworks in higher education.

Sr. Noreen, a Good Shepherd Sister who trained as a social worker and has an MA in Organisational Development. Noreen has been involved with the homeless and those impacted by prostitution and trafficking. She has represented her congregation internationally. From 2010-2018 she served as leader of the Spirituality Centre in Angers, France.

Mary, from Patrickswell in Co. Limerick, is a former General Manager of the Bergerie Trust. Prior to that she was employed in managerial roles in the production and service industries. Mary has also held various officerships at local and national level in voluntary organisations.

Michelle, from North Galway, joined the Bergerie Trust as a director in 2024. With a background in events and project management, she currently works nationally in the area of refugee integration. She has also worked extensively in Student Life at the University of Limerick and University College Cork. She has previously served as a director of registered charities UCC Medical Society and UCC Surgeon Noonan Society as well as the Board of Irish College Societies.

John Coady is a Chartered Engineer with over 40 years’ experience in the construction and civil engineering sectors. Based in Nenagh, County Tipperary, he has held senior roles across design, engineering management, construction management, and project management, delivering complex building and infrastructure projects in Ireland and internationally.

John worked for almost half of his career in Limerick before spending over 20 years working overseas in the UK, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Middle East. This international experience has given him a strong understanding of governance, risk management, procurement, and delivery across varied regulatory and operating environments.

John brings to the Board deep expertise in capital project oversight, construction governance, and programme delivery. He provides independent, practical insight on risk, cost control, buildability, and value for money, supporting the Board in its strategic decision-making and stewardship of capital and infrastructure-related matters.

Amanda Clifford is from Cork and has been living in Limerick for the past 20 years. She qualified as a physiotherapist in the UK and worked clinically in both acute hospitals, rehabilitation units and outpatient settings. She is a professor of physiotherapy with over 20 years’ experience as an academic, and a member of the Health Research Institute and Ageing Research Centre at the University of Limerick.

Ray joined Bergerie Trust in 2021. He is a Chartered Management Accountant and has worked in senior management positions across a range of indigenous and multinational industries. Ray has been involved in charitable & voluntary organisations in many roles over the years.