When Sarah-Lianne Byrne first received the news that she had been approved for a home through the Affordable Housing Scheme in Clonsilla, she thought it would be a fresh start — a chance to finally leave the chaos of renting behind and step into something more permanent. What she didn’t expect was to become a beloved figure in her neighborhood, with a reputation for hard work, positivity, and that unmistakable warmth that makes a community feel like home.
Now, less than a year after moving into her modest yet modern two-bedroom house in the heart of Ongar, Sarah has become something of a local celebrity. She didn’t set out to be, of course. But when you pour your heart into your work, give back to the community, and have a ginger cat named Mr. Jinx who insists on photobombing every local event, fame has a funny way of finding you.
A Career That Travels Well
Sarah works as a graphic designer, and even before her move to Clonsilla, she had built a solid reputation in Dublin for her sharp visual instincts and her ability to turn even the most boring spreadsheet into a work of art. When she relocated, she brought her laptop, creativity, and client list with her — but what she didn’t expect was how quickly her services would be in demand locally.
“I started off just helping a neighbor rebrand their small cleaning business,” Sarah recalls. “Word spread after that. Before I knew it, I was designing posters for local events, menus for cafés, and even social media graphics for community clubs.”
Her work is now displayed on nearly every noticeboard in Ongar and Clonsilla — clean, modern, colorful designs that somehow reflect the personality of the area itself. But beyond her professional skill, what really sets Sarah apart is her generosity. She’s known for offering discounts to local entrepreneurs, volunteering her services for fundraisers, and mentoring students from nearby secondary schools who are interested in design.
Mr. Jinx, the Unofficial Mascot of Ongar
No story about Sarah would be complete without mentioning her cat, Mr. Jinx. A fluffy orange tabby with a sharp stare and an attitude that suggests he believes the world revolves around him, Mr. Jinx has become a local icon.
“He shows up at the community centre nearly every Thursday, just sits outside like he’s waiting for someone,” says Claire, a local yoga instructor. “He’s got that look — like he knows he’s the main character.”
Mr. Jinx has appeared in multiple Instagram stories, community Facebook posts, and even made it onto a Christmas card sold at the Ongar Market, all thanks to Sarah’s playful photos and witty captions.
Making an Economic Difference
Sarah’s presence in Clonsilla has been more than just social — it’s had a real economic impact. She’s helped five local businesses launch or rebrand in the last year, and three of them reported increased foot traffic and sales since working with her. From the Ongar bakery’s cheerful window decals to the signage at the newly opened fitness studio, Sarah’s creative fingerprints are everywhere.
One business owner, Damien O’Reilly of “Fix It Fast Mobile Repairs,” credits Sarah with turning his part-time hustle into a full-time success. “I had the skills, but no idea how to present myself professionally,” he says. “Sarah didn’t just make me a logo — she gave my business an identity.”
And she does it all while maintaining a full-time remote job for a tech startup based in Berlin. Her ability to balance work, community, and personal life has become a quiet inspiration to many, especially young women in the area who look to her as a role model.
More Than a Home
Sarah often says that moving to Clonsilla was never just about getting a house — it was about getting a life. “I didn’t realise how important it was to feel like you belong somewhere,” she explains. “For years, I was moving from apartment to apartment, living with strangers, always packing boxes. This place gave me roots.”
Her garden — once a patch of patchy grass — is now a peaceful haven with raised flower beds, a small herb garden, and a custom-built perch where Mr. Jinx surveys his kingdom. She’s hosted everything from quiet dinners with friends to impromptu barbecues for the neighbors, and she’s currently planning a community art day for local kids, where she’ll teach them to design their own greeting cards.
A Symbol of Clonsilla’s Potential
Clonsilla and Ongar are growing — new housing developments are springing up, a road link to Lucan is underway, and the area is quickly becoming one of Dublin’s most exciting suburban spaces. But amidst the change, it’s people like Sarah who represent the heart of it all.
She’s the proof that affordable housing isn’t just about shelter — it’s about investing in people who give back. It’s about creating neighbourhoods where residents care, contribute, and connect. Sarah didn’t just find a home — she became part of something bigger, and Clonsilla is all the better for it.
“I still get emotional about it,” she says with a laugh. “I mean, it’s not a mansion. But it’s mine. And every time someone knocks on my door for a chat or a bit of advice, it just reinforces that this was the right move.”
Looking Forward
As Ongar and Clonsilla continue to expand, there’s hope that many more stories like Sarah’s will unfold. New homes, new opportunities, and new connections — all built on the foundation of community and belonging.
And as for Sarah? She’s currently working on her first illustrated children’s book, loosely inspired by the adventures of a certain ginger cat. “It’s called The Nine Lives of Mr. Jinx,” she says. “Because honestly, I think he might be writing it himself at this point.”
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