About Us

The Boyne Rivers Trust was set up in October 2021 as a not-for-profit organisation. The aim of the trust is to enable and empower the communities in the Boyne catchment to develop community-led activities and projects that will help make the rivers in the catchment thrive once again.

The Boyne Rivers Trust will follow the ethos of the Rivers Trusts movement in the UK and Ireland being a “wet feet” organisation which seeks to create “wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all”.

Who Are We?

The Trust board comprises 6 voluntary board members. Drawing from the broad experience of our board members, we plan to create change for the better within our catchment by working with all stakeholders to improve water quality, increase biodiversity and enhance the natural landscape.

Board of Directors

  • Donagh Quigley

    Donagh is a founder of the Handmade Soap Company based on the bank of the Boyne in Slane Co. Meath and has experience of working on the board of the Craft and Design Council and with Showcase Ireland.

  • Eddie Downey

    Eddie is a dairy and poultry farmer in the Boyne Valley and is currently chair of Meath Partnership/Leader. Former President of IFA and held numerous positions within IFA over the past 30 years. Member of Bord Bia, Teasgasc, FBD Holdings and a member of COPA COGECA.

  • Jack Rogers

    Jack studied Agricultural Science in UCD and has qualified as a barrister. Jack manages his family’s business which manufactures food for retail and foodservice on his family’s farm which looks across the River Boyne at Slane Co. Meath. Jack enjoys fly fishing on the Boyne and has an interest in farming for nature.

  • Goska Wilkowska

    Malgorzata (Goska) Wilkowska is a graduate of Adam Mickiewicz University and undertook further studies to acquire a Masters in Science in Poznan, Poland in Environmental Biology and an Environmental Protection and Shaping Postgraduate Course in Wroclaw University. Goska specialises in habitat and botanical assessment and has undertaken ecological surveys and assessments for both commercial and community projects in addition to extensive ecological work for the Irish Wildlife Trust and Nature’s PATCH Network. She is part of a community group Meath / Westmeath Peatland Heritage Group aiming to protect Coolronan Bog’s integrity and biodiversity. Goska has also some experience in websites building, social media management and video production.

  • Geoffrey Frawley

    Geoffrey is an in-house solicitor with WuXi in Dundalk and was born in Beauparc close to Slane where he developed his love for the majestic river Boyne.

  • Niall Wickham

    Niall has over 15 years’ management experience in the Financial Services industry, He is the Treasurer of the Rossin & Slane Anglers Club and is a keen angler and Fly Tier.

Non-Executive Advisors & Consultants

  • Ryan Willson Parr non-executive advisor

    Ryan Wilson Parr

    Ryan is an accredited Ecologist with more than 15 years’ experience in ecological monitoring, impact assessment and conservation. Ryan currently works as Head of Ecological Assessment, National Parks and Wildlife Service and is based in Slane, Co Meath. Ryan has a special interest in ecological restoration and reintroductions. Ryan now advises the Trust in a voluntary capacity.

  • Muireann Lyons

    Muireann has worked in the international charity sector for more than 15 years in Ireland, Africa and Asia, with Trócaire and Dóchas – the Association of INGOs in Ireland, with a focus on Land Rights, Climate Change and Governance. Muireann is currently consulting for a number of NGOs while doing a Masters in Environmental Sustainability and Heritage. She lives in Slane Co. Meath and enjoys daily walks along the river Boyne. Muireann is acting on behalf of the Trust in consultancy capacity.

  • Anthony Murphy

    Anthony Murphy is a journalist, author and historian from Drogheda. A former newspaper editor, he has written and published eight books about the mythology and prehistory of the Boyne Valley. He runs the website mythicalireland.com and broadcasts regular livestreams about the myths and archaeology of Ireland on the internet. He has appeared as an expert on Newgrange and the ancient monuments on television around the world. In 2018, he discovered a giant late Neolithic henge close to Newgrange. He was born and bred close to the Boyne in Drogheda and continues to live there with his wife Ann and their five children. Anthony now advises the Trust in a voluntary capacity.

Wild

Healthy

Natural

Wild • Healthy • Natural •