Opening the Day: Inspiration from the Start

The event was expertly hosted by the always engaging Susan Hayes Culleton, "The Positive Economist",  setting the tone for a day of reflection, storytelling, and celebration.

We began with a welcome from Turas Nua Chairman, Brendan Butler, followed by an unforgettable keynote from Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, author of the acclaimed memoir, Poor.

Katriona spoke movingly about her own experiences of poverty and adversity – and the turning points that came through meaningful engagement with people who believed in her potential. She reminded us that lasting change begins with human connection, and that our work is only possible because of people who care, supported by tools that empower.

She challenged everyone in the room to keep doing what we do best – offering support at critical moments in people’s lives – and to remember the profound role social recruitment plays in building a more inclusive society.



Panel One: The Beginnings of Turas Nua

Our first panel explored the origin story of Turas Nua, born from a national need during a time of high unemployment. Featuring Colin Scott (Turas Nua), Peter Byrne (former CEO of FRS Co-Op), and Graham McAlpine (former General Manager of Turas Nua), the discussion looked back at how we secured the original contract in partnership with the Department of Social Protection.

This early chapter reflected a belief that tailored employment services, powered by people and enabled by technology, could deliver real, measurable change. It’s a belief that still underpins our work today, and has positioned us as a pioneer in the social recruitment space.

Panel Two: Everybody’s Story Matters

One of the most powerful parts of the day was the “Client Panel”, highlighting the very real journeys behind our mission.

• Joe Lambert, now Operations Manager at Camsaw, shared how he progressed from being a Turas Nua client to an employer who champions inclusive hiring.
• Oksana Kott, once a Turas Nua client and now a caseworker herself, reminded us of the transformational power of opportunity.
• Bernie Slater, another past client, spoke honestly about her journey through barriers and back into the workforce, as well as the power of real human connection as the underlying basis for support.

These stories reinforced our belief that employment changes lives, and that effective social recruitment relies on both human guidance and smart technology to deliver tailored support.

The Bodhrán Buzz

After lunch, the energy shifted – and lifted – thanks to a lively bodhrán workshop by The Bodhrán Buzz. This interactive session brought out laughter, camaraderie, and a bit of competitive spirit. More than a musical break, it symbolised the harmony we create when we work together with shared rhythm and purpose.

Panel Three: The Future of Turas Nua

The future-focused panel featured thought leaders and employers who are helping to shape what’s next:

• Brian Bell (Fedcap UK) reflected on how our founding values must evolve to meet 21st-century challenges.
• Edel McSorley (Mr Price) shared the company's commitment to inclusive hiring, especially for people with disabilities – a focus central to our own Employability Services.
• JulieAnn McCann, (General Manager, Turas Nua) contributed to a forward-looking discussion on migration, sustainability, AI, and the cost of living – issues deeply relevant to the future of work in Ireland.

This panel reinforced our commitment to using people and technology solutions to stay ahead of societal change. As Ireland’s social recruitment and training partner, Turas Nua is uniquely positioned to respond to these evolving needs with agility and compassion.

Comedy with a Message: Willie White’s Keynote

The afternoon closed with a keynote performance by speaker and comedian Willie White – a powerful mix of raw honesty and humour. Drawing from his own life experience, Willie highlighted how support networks and second chances can turn hardship into hope. His story resonated deeply with our mission: to walk alongside people during their most challenging moments and help them find their way forward.

Closing Remarks: Leadership with Purpose

The day ended with reflections from Susan Hayes Culleton and Colin Donnery (CEO, FRS Co-Op), who shared personal stories and professional insights. Colin reflected on how his own background influences his leadership – and how Turas Nua’s people-first approach remains central to everything we do.

Evening Celebrations: Awards and Legacy

The celebration continued into the evening with a drinks reception, gala dinner, and side-splitting comedy set from Willie White. We then honoured our long-serving team members with our 10-Year Anniversary Awards – recognising those who have been with us since day one, helping to build the strong, supportive culture we are so proud of.

We wrapped up the evening with music, dancing, and the cutting of the cake – a joyful end to a day that celebrated where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

A Proud Part of the FRS Co-Op

Turas Nua is proud to be part of the FRS Co-Op, an organisation rooted in community, support, and shared effort.

The core principles that guide Turas Nua align closely with the Co-Op’s values, especially the spirit of Meitheal – the age-old Irish tradition of coming together to help one another.

That belief in collective effort, being a good neighbour, and going out of your way to lift others up continues to shape everything we do: from supporting jobseekers into work, to helping employers create inclusive workplaces.



We are proud to carry forward this legacy, using people and technology to strengthen communities, one life at a time.

People and Technology: The Next Chapter

As we look to the future, Turas Nua will continue to evolve and innovate. We know that the challenges we face – from unemployment to inequality – require more than just one-size-fits-all solutions.

They demand a blend of human connection and technological innovation. They require organisations like ours: social recruitment and training partners that work at the intersection of compassion and capability.



For the past 10 years, we’ve been delivering real results across Ireland. For the next 10, we’ll keep solving social problems with people and technology, creating inclusive pathways to employment for everyone who needs them.

Thank You

To everyone who helped make this day so special – from our speakers and panellists to our long-standing staff, caseworkers, and support teams – thank you.