Our Team
Meet the team at JCFJ
Director & Social Theologian – Kevin Hargaden
Kevin is our Social Theologian and became Director of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in 2020. He holds degrees in Computer Science, Sociology, and Theology and completed his PhD. in Theological Ethics at the University of Aberdeen under the supervision of Brian Brock and Stanley Hauerwas.
He is the author of several books, perhaps most notably Theological Ethics in a Neoliberal Age (Cascade, 2018). Kevin works in conjunction with the team to reflect theologically on political and policy issues.
Social Justice Advocate – Peter McVerry SJ
Peter McVerry SJ is a Jesuit from Newry, Co. Down who has worked in Dublin’s north inner city since 1974, where he first encountered young people who were sleeping on the streets. He began to set up services and accommodation for young homeless people which would go on to become the Peter McVerry Trust.
Peter advocates for those who have no voice in society and is a critic of government policy on issues including homelessness, drugs and criminal justice.
Environmental Policy Advocate – Ciara Murphy
Ciara is our Environmental Policy Advocate. She works on influencing policy change at a national level as well as focusing on community-based local initiatives. She achieves this through commentary, public consultation submissions and collaborating with peer NGOs and community organisations.
Ciara holds a BSc. in Environmental Biology and a PhD. in Environmental Microbiology which have equipped her with a broad knowledge on environmental and biodiversity issues.
Penal Policy Advocate – Keith Adams
Keith is our Penal Policy Advocate. He is primarily focused on research and advocacy in the policy areas of penal reform. He holds Master’s degrees in Social Science (Rights and Social Policy) from Maynooth University, and in Social Science Research from Queen’s University, Belfast.
Keith’s professional background is in the Irish non-profit sector where he has undertaken research on child and family policy, and penal policy.
Advocate for Localism – Niall Leahy SJ
Niall is a member of the Gardiner St Jesuit community and is the Centre’s Advocate for Localism. Before entering the Jesuits he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, but has since gone on to gain degrees in philosophy, education and theology with a focus on eco-theology.
Niall believes that localism can provide an important corrective to our over-globalised world. His current area of research is in the theology of localism.
Operations Facilitator – Cherise Boraski
Cherise is our Operations Facilitator. She processes the Centre’s accounts, manages office operations, runs our communications and supports the rest of the team in an administrative and logistical capacity. Cherise holds a BA in History and Music from the University of Maynooth, and has experience of working in a variety of community settings including youth groups, camps and the YMCA.
Environmental Engagement Officer – Siobhán McNamara
Siobhán McNamara is our Environmental Engagement Officer. She supports the Centre’s efforts in environmental advocacy, policy research, and faith-based ecological outreach. Siobhán is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, with a BA in European Studies and Masters degrees in Literary Translation and in Education. Before joining the JCFJ she was school librarian and green schools coordinator in Gonzaga College SJ. With particular interests in active travel and biodiversity, she volunteers with a number of climate-related civil society organisations.
Research Fellow-Fr Edmond Grace SJ
Fr Edmond is one of our research fellows. He studied law at Trinity College, Dublin, and Columbia University. He is the author of Democracy and Public Happiness and Secretary for Ecology in the Jesuit European Social Centre, as well as Advisor on Citizen Participation on The Wheel.
Research Fellow – Colm Fahy
Colm Fahy is one of our research fellows. A University of London graduate in history and international cultures, Colm has worked at Jesuit Social Centres in London and Brussels. He has followed UNFCCC conferences since COP26, leading multi-national Jesuit networks in climate justice initiatives.
