Brian was appointed Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Down and Connor in 1998. Brian has been involved in youth ministry for over 25 years, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Originally from Ardoyne, Brian began his career in Youth Ministry with the Passionist Fathers. He lives in Ballymena with his wife and four children.

Brian is responsible for setting the strategic direction of youth ministry in the diocese, including the training of youth ministers and promoting a comprehensive model of youth ministry. He works closely with other key partners in both the voluntary and statutory Youth Service.

Brian enjoys fishing on his days off, and dreams of playing on the hurling pitch again! He still retains an enthusiasm for working directly with young people and those involved in delivering youth work.

e-mail: brianmckee@youthcom.org

Hi, I'm Clare Gilmore and started with Youthcom in February 2009. My role is that of Faith Development Officer and my main focus is to work with parishes, supporting youth ministry initiatives which facilitate the active involvement of young people in the life and mission of the church. This involves everything from providing resource material, training adults and young people in the delivery of faith development, updating existing programmes, and developing partnerships with appropriate bodies.

Trained in the Milltown Institute, Dublin; I graduated with a degree in Theology and Ministry and from then have worked in various settings. I began my youth ministry with the "Life" retreat team based in Co Meath, and have since gone on to work with the Redemptorist Faith Development Project in Limerick, as school chaplain in a secondary school in Co Tipperary, and as a Retreat Facilitator in Emmaus Retreat and Conference Centre, Dublin. Upon moving back North, I worked in the Down and Connor Child Protection Office and now with Youthcom.

When I manage to get some free time, my favourite escapism is to go to the cinema and get lost in a great film; or to pick up any book by Jodi Picoult or Anne Rice and spend a couple of hours immersed in it! I also really enjoy trampolining and being by the sea. Given the size of our Diocese, and also that a lot of my friends live in the Republic of Ireland, I spend a lot of time in my car - so music features big in my day. Favourite artists include Tracey Chapman, Gareth Brooks, Michael W Smith and Fernando Ortega.

Email: clare.gilmore@youthcom.org

Claire Smylie is our Adminstration Officer at Youthcom and has been a part of the team from the beginning.

Claire is the welcoming voice you will hear when you phone Youthcom and will answer any questions or queries.

Claire spends her free time reading, cooking and taking a relaxing break in Donegal for some ceól agus craic.

e-mail: info@youthcom.org