Instructor Profiles

Centre Director Profile

Name: Colin Gibbon
Age: 44
Country of Birth: Ireland
Number of years working in the outdoors: 26
Special area of interest: Rock Climbing, Sailing and Mountain Biking

Colin has worked at Shielbaggan since 2001. He is an Outdoor Education specialist being a qualified teacher in science, geography and Outdoor Education, Colin has spent a large amount of his life outside, including sailing the Atlantic several times and skippering a 46ft racing yacht. Colin also recently achieved a 1st in the MBA programme in WIT, which he is relieved to be finished. When not working at Shielbaggan, Colin is having fun with his kids or trying to escape to go rock climbing. Colin’s adventures have led to a number of ascents of big cliffs including an ascent of the Nose on El Cap, Yosemite Valley, California. A vertical mile!
Colin’s other interests include skiing, diving, and motorbikes.

Colin’s personal philosophy is: “don’t let any opportunities pass you by”
Colin’s Favourite activity at Shielbaggan is hill walking
Colin says “Get out there”

Activity Manager Profile

Name: Paul Norris
Age: 25
Country of Birth: Ireland
Number of years working in the outdoors: 8
Special area of interest: kayaking and water based activities

Paul has worked in Shielbaggan for the last six years.Paul is a level 4 Kayak instructor, along with various other outdoor qualifications. When not working at Shielbaggan, Paul is hunting for the best white water rivers. Paul’s travels have so far taken him to the French and Italian Alps, Scotland, Slovenia, Norway, The Zambezi River - Zambia and three months paddling in New Zealand, as in the photo . Paul's goal is to make Shielbaggan Ireland's best Outdoor Education Centre.

If not at work or kayaking Paul’s other interests include Coasteering, Climbing & skiing. Paul is currently completing a diploma in health and safety

Paul’s personal philosophy is: “Do what you do and do it great”
Paul’s Favourite activity at Shielbaggan is white water kayaking
Paul is at his happiest when it is raining.
Paul says “see you on the water”

Senior Instructors:

Name: Aidan Doran
Age: 30
Country of Birth: Ireland
Number of years working in the outdoors: 10
Special area of interest: kayaking and water based activities

Aidan has worked in Sheilbaggan on and off for the last eight years, after graduating top of his class in the BA hons in Outdoor Education at GMIT. Aidan is a Level 4 Kayak Instructor along with various other outdoor qualifications. When not working at Sheilbaggan, Aidan is usually travelling the world kayaking amazing rivers. Aidan’s travels have so far taken him to the French and Italian Alps, Scotland, Slovenia, Norway, British Columbia in Canada, Uganda in Africa and his most recent adventure saw him take on the epic rivers of New Zealand. If not at work or kayaking Aidan’s other interest include Coasteering, skiing, surfing, and mountain biking.

Aidan has completed a Master of Science in Architecture, Advanced environment and energy studies through the University of East London.

Aidan’s personal philosophy is: “I am here for a good time not a hard time”.
Aidan’s Favourite activity at Sheilbaggan is Coasteering .
Aidan’s favourite day at work is “theme tune Tuesday” in which he can be heard singing the theme tunes to his favourite TV shows.
Aidan says “see you on the water”

Name: Ricky Hogan

Age: 37

Country Of Birth: Ireland

Number of years working in the outdoors: 18

Special area of interest: Kayaking and Open Boating

Ricky has worked in Shielbaggan for the last two years, after working in various centres throughout Ireland & Europe. Ricky is a Level 3 Kayak & Canoe instructor along with various other outdoor qualifications. Ricky also has a Diploma in Social Care and had worked with a wide variety of clients. Ricky's travels have so far taken him to the French and Italian Alps, Wales, Scotland and The Zambezi River - Zambia.

If not at work, Ricky can be found in a woods practicing bush/camp craft, and other interests include Mountain Biking, Skiing, Coasteering & Climbing.

Ricky's personal philosophy is: "life is too short, live it to the max"
Ricky's favourite activity at Shielbaggan is Team Challenge.
Ricky is happiest when the sun is shining
Ricky says "too much"

Secretary Profile :

Name: Deirdre Hogan
Age: very young
Country of Birth: Ireland
Number of years working in the outdoors: 4
Special area of interest: walking

Deirdre has worked for the VEC since 2006 and is passionate about helping to create the best opportunities for young people. She has a degree in business studies from London and keeps the office and staff in Shape. . When not working at Shielbaggan, Deirdre’s passion is long walks with her dog in the beautiful south Wexford scenery. Deirdre has also been out taking part in many of the activities including white water paddling.