22nd October 2026
On Thursday evening Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD visited the Hair Together Academy in Ballymun to learn more about the work of this inspiring social enterprise founded by Eileen McHugh.
During the visit, Jennifer met with Eileen, programme participants and community leaders to hear first-hand about the positive impact the Academy is having on lives across the community. Speaking at the event, Minister Carroll MacNeill highlighted the importance of organisations that promote inclusion, opportunity and positive mental wellbeing, particularly for young people. She applauded the Academy's unique approach of combining vocational training with personal support, helping participants gain both practical skills and renewed confidence in their future.
The evening was enjoyed by all, from the warm welcome from Susannah McAleese, presentation by EIleen and practical demonstrations by Kirsti and not forgetting the opportunity for all the guests to compete to show off skills they had learnt with prizes for the most accomplished.
Hair Together shows how social enterprises can effect real change, not only to the lives indivduals but also more broadly to the communities in which they live.