Limerick Chamber reveals new president and board for 2023

LIMERICK Chamber's board have elected Miriam O'Connor as the organisation's new president for the year.

Ms O'Connor takes the role over from Donal Cantillon, who came to the end of his year in office at the Chamber's annual general meeting (AGM) this week.

A partner at city centre legal firm MHL Sellors LLP, she's pledged to tirelessly pursue the interests of Limerick's business interests both locally and nationally.

"I am honoured and excited to take on the role, placing member issues and member supports in the centre of my duties as president this year. I will build upon the great work of outgoing president Donal Cantillon and the strong foundations of the Chamber in relevant member briefings and events," she said.

"I will be driving a number of key policy objectives identified by Limerick Chamber on vital issues such as affordable housing, infrastructural development and wider challenges of recruitment and retention of skilled workers in the Mid-West region," the executive added.

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Ms O'Connor will make her first formal address as Chamber president at an economic briefing event taking place on March 23.

It'll feature presentations by Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist with Northern Trust, and Limerick Chamber's chief economist Seán Golden.

Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan said: "We are thrilled to have Miriam on board as our president for 2023-2024. Miriam has a focus on key areas which will no doubt have a lasting impact for the business community in the Mid-West Region. With Miriam’s guidance, l have no doubt we will have a busy but progressive year. Miriam will play a crucial role in supporting Limerick Chamber’s work as the voice of business for the Mid-West. The team at Limerick Chamber and I look forward to working with her over the next year to best serve our members and the key challenges they face daily."

She also paid tribute to Mr Cantillon, who is a director at Focus Capital for his service over the last year.

There were also some new additions to the Chamber board: Damien Garrihy, of AIB business baking in Clare and Limerick, Leanne Storan, of EY, Lisa Killeen, a partner in Holmes LLP and Muriel Kelly of Edwards Lifesciences.

The current Limerick Chamber board comprises of:

Miriam O’Connor, partner, MHP Sellors LLP – president
Noel Gavin, SVP Northern Trust – vice-president
Mairead Connolly, partner, PwC – deputy vice-president
Donal Cantillon, director, Focus Capital Partners
Donnacha Hurley, general manager, Absolute Hotel
Muriel Kelly, HR, Edwards Life Sciences
Graham Burns, director CPL regional offices, CPL Resources
Paul Ryan, site lead and senior director of support at WP Engine Ireland

Damien Garrihy, business banking Clare/Limerick, AIB
Leanne Storan, tax and law director, EY Ireland
Mick Ryan, head of business banking Mid-West, Bank of Ireland
Lavinia Ryan corporate business manager, VHI Ireland
Maria Gleeson, chief operating officer, The Pudding
Alan Higgins, director of operations and digital solutions, Ingenium
Muriel Kelly, Snr Hr director Edwards Lifesciences Ireland
Pat Keating, chief executive, Shannon Foynes Port Company.