Meet some of the SAI Team:
Amy Gilbert 
Jonathan Duffy 
Lisa McHugh
Dan Tabb, CEO
What was your first impression of Ballymun?
I first seen Ballymun on St. Patrick's day in 2000. I was touched in my spirit instantly and the place, as well as people, have captured my heart ever since. Ballymun did remind me a bit of the Bronx in New York as I drove around the place.
What has been most rewarding bit of working with SI / SAI so far?
I love doing what I do - organizing programmes, activities, events and people (thats the toughest part). Creating a place for people to come that is safe, fun and where there is an opportunity to discover who they are and what their gifts are is very rewarding. Seeing children (and adults) break free from oppression and into a healthy self esteem is priceless!
What has been toughest part, biggest struggle to date?
People's presumptive judgements who I've never met, visited our programmes or taken time to understand what we are trying to accomplish for the people and community of Ballymun.
What are some things you still want to see happen? What is your hope for the future?
Ballymun be a community, between all 5 areas. The people (children and adults) of Ballymun to be set free from all that hinders them from becoming all they are meant to be and experience in life. Families to enjoy time together, adults to serve their children as volunteers and todays children to become tomorrows leaders!
Jamie Gilbert, Director of Sports Programmes
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and I am married to Amy Gilbert. I graduated from the University of Memphis and the Irish Bible Institute, and I am currently working on a masters degree in Applied Theology. I have played football since i was 10 playing right the way through university and now play football for Ballymun United. Outside of football, school and work I enjoy taking pictures, making videos, reading and cooking.
When and how did you get involved with SAI?
October of 2009. Having moved to Ballymun and playing for the local football club, I volunteered on and off with Sports Across Ireland because I wanted to get involved and help in any way possible. And as my gifting has been in sport, what better way to serve and connect with the community!
What was your first impression of Ballymun?
Not as bad as they said it was. I have stepped into one of the most loving and benevolent communities I have experienced and I am encouraged by the potential of the maturing youth in the community. Though there are rough spots in the community, there are genuine people who really care for one another’s well-being.
What has been most rewarding bit of working with SAI so far?
The Upward Basketball league has been great! There are many young children that have come out of their shells and have really matured as people through a very simple game. The reactions from the parents and the smiles of excitement from the players have been a real joy and encouragement! It is a brilliant example of how sport can be used as a medium to develop character and change lives!
What are some things you still want to see happen? What is your hope for the future?
I would love to build some relationships with a handful of youngsters that could be cultivated through football and other interactions. The idea would be that over a long period of time I would be someone they would confide in and learn from so that they could be mentors and leaders in the community in the future. Also, I want to help kids see that they have choices they can make about their present situations and future lives.
Is there anything else you want to say to the people reading this newsletter?
When I look back at my early childhood and adolescence, the highlights have been the opportunities, and the people behind these, offered to me to play and grow in a safe and encouraging environment. My life was shaped and molded by people who taught me principles about relationships and life through football, and I am grateful for all of the wonderful people and experiences I have enjoyed. I can think of no greater work than providing those same opportunities to young people today and if only one life is changed or affected by our labor here, then I believe our labor truly is justified.
Amy Gilbert, Volunteer Coordinator/ Adminstrative Services
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am from Highlands Ranch, Colorado and I am married to Jamie Gilbert. I graduated from Vanderbilt University and I am in my last year of a degree at the Irish Bible Institute. I have played football since I was five and have played right the way through university in America, and now play for Raheny United. Oustide of work, school and football I enjoy crafts, romantic comedies and cooking.
When and how did you get involved with SAI?
In February of 2009, Jamie and I became coaches at the Friday Night Football club. It was a great start for us because we were able to play football with the kids and get to know them in the process. Now we are living and working with SAI part time and are happy to have the opportunity to be more involved in the Upward Leagues, clubs, and different camps that SAI has to offer.
What was your first impression of Ballymun?
My first impression was that it was a dark place, but not quite as intimidating as people had made it out to be. The people of Ballymun are passionate, loyal and very generous and hospitable once you get to know them. There is a lot of potential in this community to be a desired place to live because of the high value that is placed on community and friendship. Jamie and I really enjoy living in Ballymun for these reasons.
What has been most rewarding bit of working with SAI so far?
The most rewarding part of working with SAI is the relationships that have already been built. We are only in Ballymun since 2009 and we already feel like we have family in this community. One of our goals is to build friendships with the people in the community, children, teens, and their families so that we can attempt to meet any needs that come up. In my experience so far, the people I have met in Ballymun have met my need of family and community which has meant a lot to me as I am so far away from my family.
What has been toughest part, biggest struggle to date?
The biggest struggle so far has been finding time to accomplish all that we would like to do for the community. The SAI staff has great ideas about new programs that we would like to implement, the difficulty is finding the time!
What are some things you still want to see happen? What is your hope for the future?
I would love for relationships with the youth and their families to continue to develop. I hope that over time, we would be able to mentor and support a group of teens and young people in Ballymun because I really feel that great things can happen through them. I also would love to be able to help mothers with young children and support them in the vital early years of their development.
Jane Ronan
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am born and raised in Ballymun. I am happily married to Paul Ronan and have three beautiful children: Lea, Hannah and Conor. I'm in the process of finishing a certificate course in youth work and love working with the kids in the Saturday club. Some of my favorite things are making cards with and for friends, going to a park with the kids, and watching a good film. While my husband loves zombie movies, I prefer the ones that draw the tears! Other than that, I just love to be around frineds and family.
When and how did you get involved with SI / SAI?
My daughter signed up for the SAI Upward Basketball at the age of 8 and I started volunteering a couple of months later.
What has been most rewarding bit of working with SI / SAI so far?
Working with the children and seeing how they can open up during the course of a few weeks. My eldest daughter Lea started Upward and she was withdrawn, shy and very uninterested in mingling with people. As the course of Upward continued I could see her opening up to people. Lea became more aware of her feelings and other people’s feelings also. She then became very good at making friends! Lea is now 14 years old and volunteers in the upward sports courses and SAI has really changed her outlook on life for the better.
What has been toughest part, biggest struggle to date?
Getting people past the Christian part. Sometimes when they see the word Christian it’s “no thanks.” It’s a real shame as the organization has so much to offer the kids in the community.
What are some things you still want to see happen? What is your hope for the future?
I would love people to see the hope, joy, and change SAI brings to the kids of Ballymun, that they look past the Christian bit and embrace it. Having a church of our own in Ballymun would be fantastic!
Our Faithful Sponsors
At SAI we know that we are only one part of the team that is working to better the Ballymun community, and we want to acknowledge and thank all of those who work alongside us providing resources, financial support, and prayer.
Ballymun Regeneration Ltd.
