Meet the Team

Some of the CycleUp team – staff and volunteers (Photo by Aengus McMahon/The Ireland Funds.)
Maria Hourigan
(Photo by Aengus McMahon/The Ireland Funds.)

Maria Hourigan

Sewing & Upcycling Assistant / Upcycling Textiles Tutor

Meet Maria, a talented and self-taught seamstress with a passion for upcycling and sustainability. Inspired by her mother, Philomena Hourigan, who was one of the original RWN Upcycling Textiles Pilot participants, Maria has fully embraced the art of transforming discarded materials into beautiful and functional pieces.

With the guidance and support of Roscommon Women’s Network, Maria became a part of the original group of upcycling textiles volunteers and received training in the art of upcycling. Her natural creativity and enthusiasm led her to constantly explore new ideas for design and innovative methods, making her a valuable asset to the team.

Not only does Maria possess exceptional design skills, but she is also highly skilled in troubleshooting equipment issues. Her expertise and problem-solving abilities ensure that the upcycling process runs smoothly, allowing her to create stunning pieces without any hindrances.

In addition to her practical skills, Maria is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. In 2021, she completed the QQI Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation Course, further enhancing her ability to teach and inspire others. As one of the most experienced tutors in our organisation, Maria is in high demand, delivering engaging and informative Upcycling Textiles Training and Workshops throughout the region.

Maria’s dedication to upcycling and her ability to transform discarded materials into works of art make her an invaluable member of our team. Her love for exploring new design ideas and methods ensures that she remains at the forefront of upcycling innovation. Whether she’s creating unique pieces or teaching others the art of upcycling, Maria’s passion and expertise shine through in every endeavour.

Meet Emer, a talented sewing and upcycling assistant who joined CycleUp in 2023. With a deep passion for design, craft, and textiles, Emer brings a wealth of creativity and enthusiasm to the team. Since joining CycleUp, she has been honing her machine sewing skills, constantly striving for perfection in her craft.

As part of the dynamic and innovative creative team at CycleUp, Emer finds great joy in her work. She appreciates the collaborative environment, where ideas flow freely and artistic endeavours are celebrated. Her keen eye for colour combinations and her constant exploration of incorporating texture into design make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Emer’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident through her recent completion of the QQI Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation Course in 2021. Supported by RWN CycleUp, she has embraced her role as a tutor, conducting Upcycling Textiles Training and Workshops across the region. With her solid background in textiles and design, Emer shares her expertise and passion with others, empowering them to explore their creativity and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Whether she’s creating beautiful upcycled pieces or inspiring others through teaching and workshops, Emer’s dedication to her craft shines through. With her infectious enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, she continues to make a positive impact within the CycleUp community and beyond.

Emer Giblin
(Photo by Aengus McMahon/The Ireland Funds.)

Emer Giblin

Sewing & Upcycling Assistant / Upcycling Textiles Tutor