Meet Our Team
Sarah Edmonds
Chief Executive
As CEO of the Irish Youth foundation, Sarah is committed to advancing the organisations initiatives that foster inclusion and personal growth, ensuring we are levelling the playing field for all young people in Ireland. Before taking on the role as CEO, Sarah had been with the Irish Youth Foundation for seven years, during which time she led the organisations fundraising activities and most recently led the design and delivery of the Irish Youth Foundations grants and programmes.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience in non-profit management, community engagement, and strategic fundraising. She is passionate about creating pathways for young people to succeed, particularly those facing economic, social, or personal challenges. With a deep commitment to supporting children and young people experiencing poverty and disadvantage, Sarah plays a pivotal role in helping the Irish Youth Foundation deliver its mission across Ireland.
Prior to the Irish Youth Foundation, Sarah worked in private practice as a psychotherapist as well as in hospitality sales and events, in both The Shelbourne and The Merrion Hotel. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UCC and an MA in Psychotherapy from DBS.
Aoibheann Murphy
Grants and Partnerships Executive
As Grants and Partnerships Executive, Aoibheann works with youth organisations to ensure their grant process runs smoothly, from queries before applications, right up until their final grant payment. As well this, Aoibheann works with our corporate and philanthropic partners, building strong relationships and support for IYF.
Aoibheann brings an on the ground understanding of working with vulnerable communities, and a deep curiosity about how best to address issues at a systemic level. She is passionate about equity, compassion and evidence-based policy making.
Before joining the Irish Youth Foundation, Aoibheann has worked across the non-profit sector, most recently in Donore Community Drug and Alcohol Team and UN-IOM. She has a BA in International Development and Sociology and a Master’s in Public Policy.
Matthew Walsh
Development Manager
As Development Manager of the Irish Youth Foundation, Matthew is focused on driving sustainable growth and deepening IYF’s impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people across Ireland. With a strong focus on forging new corporate partnerships and cultivating philanthropic donor relationships, Matthew plays a central role in expanding the Foundation’s community of supporters and donors.
Before working with the Irish Youth Foundation Matthew worked in commercial business development, in both strategic and enterprise markets. Prior to his professional experience, Matthew studied Sociology and Social Policy in Trinity College Dublin where he developed his interested in social change and humanitarian work.
Matthew brings a unique mix of commercial expertise combined with an academic understanding of the challenges that are facing the young people of Ireland. He is passionate about growing IYF’s impact to ensure we are levelling the playing field for Ireland’s most at risk children and young people.
