After 20 years as Regional Youth Service (RYS) Manager, we said a very fond farewell to Mick Ferron, as he takes up his new role as CEO of National Youth Council of Ireland.
Mick has been our RYS Manager since the organisation was established on 24th October 2005. Fittingly, after exactly 20 years service, he departed for the last time on 24th October 2025.
Mick has been a true leader, an exemplary professional and we owe so much to him for laying the solid foundations which built Sphere 17 into the service it is today. We hope we were able to convey our gratitude to Mick for his inspiring leadership, unwavering dedication, strong work ethic and commitment to Sphere 17 over the last 20 years. We wish him nothing but success as he moves on to pastures new 🙂
Before Mick left, we asked him to reflect on his time here and leave us some nuggets of wisdom 🙂
Do you remember your first day in Sphere 17? What stands out the most?
We were around the back in unit 4 where the Dales are now, and there were 8 new staff with some board members and our LO at the time, Celene Dunne. I remember the collective nervous energy about the possibilities, and also thinking, ‘jeez – this is gonna be a tight squeeze!’
Did you think you’d still be here 2 decades later?!
At that point, I almost prided myself on the fact that I had bounced around different jobs every couple of years in large part to facilitate travel priorities, but this was my first management post, so I guess I was more committed to Sphere right from the off. But 20 years …. no way.
How do you think youth work has changed since you started?
I think there has been huge strides in the range and quality of youth work programmes and services provided, and in the effectiveness of, and appreciation for, collaborative working with a whole range of other partners, but many of the fundamentals of youth work remain the same – providing time, space, and support for young people – developing meaningful relationships where young people can learn more about themselves and the world around them in engaging , fun, or creative ways. The coffee is a little better too……….
If you could give your younger self, on day one, one piece of advice, what would it be?
Hard to say right now. I’m a big believer in value of failure, and I think some our best work has come in response to various crises, so I recognise that tough experiences inform and shapes us for the better. I could also say save more and stretch more to my younger self, but I’d still ignore it.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
The challenge of the new role and all that brings is something I am most looking forward to and apprehensive about in equal measure. I hope I do Sphere 17 proud. I won’t miss the M50 traffic, but I suspect the novelty of the train won’t be long wearing off!
What are you most proud of from your time at Sphere 17?
In my role, it can be hard to pick out specific things. Everything that I’m proud of primarily relates to the work of others – I’m proud of other people’s work! Since the notice of my departure, there’s been lots of positive feedback about the organisation, and it is so heartening to hear people outside the Sphere reassure me that the organisation is in good hands because of the quality of people in Sphere. Maybe, I’m most proud of the culture and values of the organisation (special mention for Listen too, of course!)
Which centre makes the best coffee before Regional Team Meetings?!
Anytime coffee is made for you, it’s a treat. I couldn’t possibly say…..
What will you miss the most?
Hard not to sound cliched here by saying the people. Maybe, I will say, hearing about people’s stories – their experiences, challenges, achievements, anger, fear, hope, etc… and how youth work is helping.
If you could leave a secret rule in the staff handbook, what would it be?
Does that not mean a rule that no-one knows about because it’s secret!? Maybe we could have a special day to celebrate pedants like me!
Whats one thing the team should never forget to do, after you’re gone?
Breathe. For obvious reasons of course, but also taking a beat to consider what has been said or what is happening can be invaluable. Maybe even use that time to ask what can I do to make things better.
