Golden Bridges 2024

Alison has responsibility for leading Tourism Ireland’s Marketing Strategy and Operations in the US, Canada & Australia. In June 2017, Alison also assumed responsibility for Tourism Ireland’s operations in Australia/New Zealand. She also serves as Chair of the European Travel Commission (ETC), USA Chapter since 2017. ETC is the non-profit organisation responsible for the promotion of Destination Europe as the worldwide number one tourist destination in third markets.

Anne Marie Conlon is Head of Economic Development with Donegal County Council and works closely with a range of partners including Derry City and Strabane District Council on initiatives which are instrumental in highlighting the economic potential of the North West City Region.

Anne Marie leads a dynamic and talented team who work in promoting the region as a great place to live, work, invest and do business in; offer a range of property solutions to help businesses grow and scale and who collaborate with partners and stakeholders to enable key sectors to grow and thrive in the region.

Anne Marie has a strong background in economic development, communications and public administration and holds an MS in Innovation Management and BA (Hons) Business Studies from Ulster University.

Dr Joanne Gallagher has worked in academic, research and managerial roles in the higher education sector in Ireland for over twenty-five years.  Joanne holds a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology, MSc in Biological Science (DCU), MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Science (RCSI) and a BSc Honours in Microbiology (University of Galway).  Following the completion of her PhD Joanne joined the staff of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics in University College Dublin where she worked as a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Conway Institute, and as a Special Lecturer with the Department of Pharmacology.  

Dr Gallagher left UCD to take up a position with the Health Product Regulatory Authority where she worked as an Immunological Assessor in the area of vaccine authorisation at an Irish and European level.  During her time with the HPRA she was a registered expert at the European Medicines Agency in the areas of immunology and rheumatology.

In 2006 Joanne returned to her native Donegal and joined the Department of Science in ATU Donegal where she worked as a lecturer and principal investigator and in 2014 was appointed Head of Department of Science.  Dr Gallagher is a Ministerial appointment to the Veterinary Council of Ireland since 2018 and is the current Chair of the statutory Veterinary Education and Training committee.  In 2024 Joanne was nominated by the Technological Higher Education Association and appointed as a board member of Donegal Education and Training Board. 

Dr Gallagher was appointed Head of Faculty of Science and Health in December 2020 and joined the senior management team of ATU.  As Head of Faculty she is responsible for the strategic direction, development and management the Faculty of Science and Health in ATU Donegal.  As a member of the ATU senior management team she is involved in the wider strategic management of the University as it works towards achieving the objectives of its first strategic plan, delivering world class, regionally embedded education provision in West and Northwest of Ireland.  Joanne is committee to the provision of third level educational opportunities in the region and has been instrumental in leading and securing ATUs bid to be the second provider of Veterinary Medicine Education in Ireland. 

John Healy OBE is a highly experienced senior executive with 30 years of experience in the technology sector, mostly gained in the financial service industry. He has extensive experience in leading global teams, developing strategy and delivering solutions to address business and technology issues.

He was the Managing Director of Allstate NI, where he served from January 2016 to December 2022. Before Allstate, John held the position of Service Centre Head for Citi’s near shore technology and operations centre in Belfast.

Most recently, John was Chair of the Software Alliance, the industry-led representative voice of the £1.7 billion software industry in Northern Ireland.

He serves on several boards including being Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board at the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, he is a member of the Council of Ulster University and is on the Board of Business in the Community. He is past-President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce.

John Kelpie has been Chief Executive of the Derry City and Strabane District Council since April 2015. He initially led on the establishment of a new Council as a result of a programme of local government reform in Northern Ireland, with a new, larger geographical area and a range of additional powers, functions and responsibilities than its predecessor Councils. John designed an innovative, flexible and responsive staffing structure with a clear vision and purpose to develop a ‘thriving, prosperous and sustainable City and Region with equality of opportunity for all’. 

John has led on international best practice examples of place-based leadership within the cross-border North West City Region and the establishment of inclusive, strategic growth partnerships and plans. Recently he also led a City Partnership in securing the largest ever government investment package into the City and Region with the circa £293m City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund to drive innovation and regeneration in Derry and Strabane.

A Derry native and family man, John enjoys hill walking when he manages to secure some free time.

John G. McLaughlin grew up in Redcastle, Co. Donegal and was educated at Carndonagh Community School and the Regional Technical College in Letterkenny. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from University College Galway in 1986. He spent a short time working for University College Galway and Westmeath County Council before taking up an appointment in California, USA where he spent 13 years working in engineering and construction. He joined Donegal County Council in 1999 where he worked in the National Roads Office in Donegal Town at Executive Engineer and Senior Executive Engineer level. In 2001, he was appointed Director of Roads and Transportation and held that role until July 2020, when he took up the position of Chief Executive of Donegal County Council. 

Lilian Seenoi Barr is a prominent Kenyan Irish political and community activist known for her commitment to social justice, equality, and human rights. Born in Kenya, Lilian’s early life was shaped by the challenges and inequities she observed in her Maasai community, sparking a passion for advocacy that would guide her life’s work.

In her late twenties, Lilian relocated to Derry/ Londonderry, where she quickly became an influential figure in local politics and community activism. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at the North West Migrants Forum, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and integration of migrants and minoritised minorities. Her work at the Forum involved developing programmes that addressed issues such as racial discrimination, social inclusion, and community cohesion.

Lilian’s political career gained significant momentum when she joined the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). Her dedication to public service and her ability to connect with diverse communities led to her election as the Chair of the Derry SDLP District Executive. In 2021, she was co-opted into the Derry City and Strabane District Council, marking a significant step in her political journey. Demonstrating her growing influence and popularity, Lilian was subsequently elected in 2023 as one of the SDLP Councillors for the Foyleside District Electoral Area.

Beyond her political engagements, Lilian is known for her grassroots activism. She has organised numerous campaigns and events aimed at raising awareness about issues such as racial inequality, Nighttime economy, Women’s Health and Housing. Her efforts have not only brought about tangible changes in her community but have also inspired many others to take up the mantle of activism.

Lilian Seenoi Barr’s contributions to political and community life have been recognised with several awards and honours. Her work continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities, making her a formidable force for positive change. Through her tireless efforts, Lilian has demonstrated the profound impact that dedicated activism and compassionate leadership can have on society.

Lilian Believes this is our time to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant Derry City and Strabane District. She wants to be a mayor for everyone, one who is accessible and one who will lead with hope. Lilian Has chosen BUDS Club as her charity of the year and will fundraise and promote the work of this organisation during her term in the Guildhall.

Martina is the Founder of CHC Home Care, a boutique style home care agency that allowed people to remain safely in their homes while receiving nursing care. She grew the business organically to a multimillion dollar company until it was acquired by a publicly traded corporation in October 2020. Martina serves as Board Chairperson of the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston and is the first female to hold this position.She’s an active member of the New England Council, Irish Network Boston, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Co-founder of Mná Mheiriceá.

In 2019 she was an honoree at the Irish Echo Small Business Impact Awards honoring Irish American entrepreneurs and business leaders receiving the Care Ambassador Award. Martinahas a deep fondness for her beloved Co. Clare where she was born and raised. She is and avid outdoors person and has completed three Boston Marathons. She is currently an EMBA Candidate at Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School. Martina resides in the Back Bay with her husband Craig. 

Her motto to live by is, “Goals are achieved through hard work, high standards and surrounding yourself with good people.”

Professor Malachy Ó Néill is Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University (since August 2021), taking responsibility for relationships with key stakeholders including governmental agencies, councils, trusts and other relevant authorities on behalf of the institution. He was awarded a Personal Chair in Irish (2020) and was Provost of the Magee Campus in Derry (2016-21) and Head of the School of Irish Language and Literature (2012-17). He has played a central role in a range of strategic initiatives for the University including City and Growth Deals (UK Government), Shared Island (Irish Government), the inception of a School of Medicine (opened 2021), the development of the North West Cross-border Tertiary Cluster (with FE/HE partners) and the accreditation of Derry/Strabane as a UNESCO Learning City Region.

He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019, the highest accolade in UK Higher Education and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.  He was appointed to the Department for Communities’ Irish Language Strategy Expert Advisory Panel in 2021 was a member of the Irish Government’s Review Board of the Official Irish Language Standard (2016). He was editor of An tUltach (2008-10) and his research includes modern Irish pedagogy, the Ó Néill dynasty and Irish language theatre and he is Lead Investigator (Northern Ireland) in the c.€4million Shared Island social capital research initiative with NUI Galway, University of Limerick and Atlantic Technological University. He is a Board member of the Causeway and Derry Chambers of Commerce and Temporary Chair of the Governing Body of North West Regional College. 

Professor Ó Néill enjoys close ties with the Donegal Gaeltacht, having spent many years in Machaire Rabhartaigh and Gaoth Dobhair facilitating courses for teenagers and adult learners of Irish. He resides in his native parish of Ardboe, Co. Tyrone, with his wife Ursula and their three children, Proinsias, Tomás and Sorcha.

Cllr Niamh Kennedy was first elected to Donegal County Council in 2014 and became Cathaoirleach in June 2024. She previously worked in the fishing industry with a background in health and safety and administration management. As a Small & Medium Enterprise Business owner and director she has considerable interest in the development and promotion of local industry.

A former member of Killybegs Community Council, she has been actively involved in all aspects of community life and chaired the Liaison Committee which successfully prevented the downgrading of Killybegs Community Hospital.

She currently sits on the following Donegal County Council Committees:

• Donegal Municipal District Committee
• Corporate Policy Group
• Donegal County Council Value for Money Committee
• Donegal Tourism Associate Members Committee
• Board of Donegal Tourism
• Fisheries Committee
• Donegal Local Community Development Committee

Cllr Kennedy represents Donegal County Council on the following bodies:

• Board of Donegal 2040 Strategic Development Committee

• Northern Western Regional Assembly

She is the first independent woman councillor to be elected as Cathaoirleach and the fourth female chairperson in the 125-year history of the Council.

Michael Patrick MacDonald is the author of the New York Times Bestseller, All Souls: A Family Story from Southie and the acclaimed Easter Rising: A Memoir of Roots and Rebellion. He has won the American Book Award, a New England Literary Lights Award, and an award from the Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights in North America. 

After losing four siblings and seeing his generation decimated by poverty, crime, addiction, and incarceration. MacDonald became a leading Boston organizer, launching anti violence initiatives including gun-buyback programs and support networks for survivors. He continues to work in Boston, Belfast, and North Inner City Dublin with survivor families, educators, and youth workers, using his restorative justice coalition-building curriculum, The Rest of the Story.

In 2019 he received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to teach at Queens University, Belfast. He is Professor of the Practice in Northeastern University’s Honors Program and writes and speaks on topics ranging from Race and Class in America to Transforming Trauma to Voice, Agency, and Leadership. 

Siobhán Ní Ghadhra is a two-time EMMY Award Winner and has numerous credits for both animation and live-action productions throughout her career.  She began her career at Roger Corman’s Irish film studios in 1998 and after working with various production companies, established Danú Media along with John Brady in 2014.  

She is currently Executive Producer on Ros na Rún, one of Irelands’ longest running TV drama series.  Siobhán produced the Tween Drama Series entitled Saol Ella for TG4 / Coimisún na Meán in 2022, and is in post-production on a new Cine4 film entitled Báite, due to be released in 2025.  Danú Media has successful in accessing development funding, both for single projects and for slate development and are bringing a number of projects to market currently.

In 2021, Danú Media established Atlantic Academy, a new training entity for the TV and Film Industry and in December 2021 was announced by Screen Ireland / Fís Éireann as the lead organisation for Crew Academy West, as part of the National Talent Academies initiative.  Danú Media is also the promoter of Geasán na Meán Skillnet.

Siobhán was appointed as Cathaoirleach of Údarás na Gaeltacht in June 2024.  She is a current member of the Board of TG4, of Ardán and of the Creative Europe Desk in Galway.  She previously sat on the board of the Blue Teapot Theatre Company and the External Strategy Board for NUIG.  Siobhán was a Board member of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland from 2010 – 2015 and was presented the NUIG Alumni Award for Arts and Media in 2016.