A Welcome from Sarah McCarthy, Our Manager

“As a mum of two young children myself, I know how important it is to feel completely comfortable with where your child spends their time outside of school. For me, childcare has always been about much more than simply providing a place for children to go; it is about creating an environment where they feel at home.

What I really value about PALS is that children have the opportunity to relax and explore independently after a busy school day. They can spend time outdoors, play freely, be creative, complete their homework with support, and simply enjoy being with their friends. No two children are the same, and I think it is so important that they have space to be themselves.

As Manager, I want PALS to feel welcoming not only for the children, but for parents too. Consistency and trust are hugely important to me, and I want parents to know that we genuinely care about their children and the experience they have with us.

Having been part of PALS for a number of years, I am very proud of the warm, familiar atmosphere we have built and of the team who create that environment every day. My aim is to continue developing PALS while holding on to what has always made it special: a place where children can come after school, feel at home, and enjoy being children.”

Sarah McCarthy
Manager, PALS Afterschool

Meet the PALS Team!

Sarah McCarthy

Sarah McCarthy

Manager

Sarah joined PALS Afterschool in 2021 and spent four years as the Room Leader for our First and Second Class children before becoming Manager in 2025.

She holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years Education and a Level 8 qualification in Digital Marketing.

Sarah is passionate about encouraging creativity, helping children build confidence and creating an environment where every child feels comfortable being themselves.

She has a particular interest in media and design and enjoys bringing her creativity into PALS, including managing and regularly updating our Instagram page to give parents a glimpse into the fun and activities happening each day.

Sinéad O Connell

Sinéad O Connell

Chalet Room Leader (Junior & Senior Infants)

Sinéad joined PALS in 2022 and is the Room Leader for our Junior and Senior Infants group. She holds a degree in Early Years Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Mindfulness and Wellbeing.

Sinéad brings a warm, calm and nurturing approach to the room, helping children feel settled, secure and happy after their school day. Her educational background and expertise in mindfulness and wellbeing complement her caring approach, with a strong focus on creating a positive, inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels comfortable, valued and encouraged to be themselves.

Dee O’Brien

Dee O’Brien

Red Room - 3rd to 6th Classes

Dee joined PALS in 2019 and holds a Diploma in Art, Craft and Design. She loves getting the children involved in creative, hands-on projects — the messier, the better — and is always encouraging them to try something new, from fun craft ideas to imaginative projects they can really get stuck into.
Dee also loves baking with the children, giving them the chance to get involved, learn new skills and enjoy making something together. A keen gardener and nature lover, she enjoys encouraging the children to spend time outdoors, planting, growing and exploring.
She believes in giving children the freedom to use their imaginations, be creative and, most importantly, have fun.

Catherine Hanratty

Catherine Hanratty

Yellow Room Leader (1st & 2nd Class)

Catherine is the Room Leader for our 1st and 2nd Class group and brings years of experience caring for young children. As a mum of two herself, she understands how important it is for children to feel safe, settled and well supported throughout the day.
She has a warm, steady and reassuring presence and takes a genuine children-come-first approach in everything she does. Catherine works hard to create a room where children can relax after school, build confidence, enjoy time with their friends and feel truly included.
Her experience, caring nature and understanding of children make her a hugely valued part of the PALS team.

Noel McDonagh

Noel McDonagh

Bus Driver

Noel is our dedicated PALS Afterschool bus driver, collecting children from Gaelscoil Glanmire and Glounthaune National School and bringing them safely back to PALS each day.
He plays an important part in making the transition from school to afterschool as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Noel is friendly, reliable and familiar to the children, helping them feel comfortable and at ease during the journey. Whether it’s a quick chat about their school day or keeping the atmosphere light and cheerful, he makes the short trip back to PALS a positive part of their afternoon.