Board Members

Patrick O’Neill

Managing Director at Zenith Adhesive, Components Ireland Medical Devices and Midlands Gateway Chamber.

John McGrath

MD, MMKDA Consulting Engineers

John has 25 years’ experience in the construction industry. Having had roles as engineer on projects such as sewage schemes and roads John went into private practice 20 years ago. As Director of the newly formed firm John project managed a large number of residential, commercial and industrial developments. He has extensive experience in guiding clients through the planning process and ensuring the efficient management of projects through to completion. John is Currently the President of Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mairead O’Grady

Partner at Russell Brennan Keane

Mairead is a leading taxation partner, also a Chartered Certified Accountant and an AITI Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).  Frequently providing commentary at seminars and client workshops, Mairead provides advice on personal and corporate tax planning, corporate restructures, tax based investments, property structure, estate and succession planning.

Regina Bushell

Managing Director at Grovelands Childcare and Early education

Regina Bushell is Founder and Managing Director of the multi-award winning Grovelands Childcare. With over 35 years of experience Regina is a veteran of the sector. She has been described as ‘unique in her field’ for the standards of excellence she instils in her team, and her passion for enabling children to reach their full potential.

Grainne Cornally

Sales and Marketing Manager, Sheraton, Athlone

Grainne is a results driven strategic marketer with a keen eye for the bottom line and lead generation. Skilled at creating and building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Proven ability to create, implement and manage a range of online and offline channels to effectively communicate the brand message to the target market. Grainne also has a flair for adapting and responding to changes in marketplace.

Dermot Ryan

AIB Bank: Head of Midlands Business Centre 

Dermot has been involved in the Banking Sector in the Midlands & West for 20 years. He has worked in a number of Senior Business Development and Credit Department Roles and is currently  Head of Midlands Business Centre for AIB Bank.  AIB’s Midlands Business Centre, with locations in Athlone & Naas manages the Bank’s mid / large SME customers for the counties, Westmeath, Roscommon, Longford, Offaly, Laois & Kildare.

Dermot holds the position of Company Director & Secretary for Athlone Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Deirdre Hunt

Marketing Officer, Athlone Community Radio.

Deirdre has experience in office admiration, advertising and marketing.  Having worked in the services sector, print media and now radio Deirdre has amassed extensive experience in customer relations. Deirdre has also completed a certificate in Certificate in Frontline Management, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.

Joey Boland

Business Advisory Partner, RBK

An SME specialist, Joey’s broad experience spans more than 25 years working with medium and large sized privately owned businesses. He advises on accounting, auditing, tax compliance, tax planning, financial management, banking and statutory compliance matters.  Joey helps SMEs to develop and achieve their financial goals and is a trusted advisor to many RBK clients.

Ray Byrne

MD Splash Hospitality and Co-Owner Wineport Lodge, Glasson

MD of Splash Hospitality since 2003 and Co-owner of Wineport Lodge, Glasson, Athlone, Ray is one of Irelands most accomplished hospitality specialists.  Experience in forming, growing and materialising successful hospitality business Ray has a proven track record. Wineport lodge is a renowned national restaurant and Ray has used his expertise to also revitalise some of Dublin’s biggest venues.

Michael McDonnell

Skipper and Proprietor of Viking Ship, Athlone

Known to many as simply Viking Mike, Michael McDonnell is an instantly recognisable figure around Athlone, despite only arriving in the town 15 years ago. As proprietor of Viking Tours, one of Athlone”s main tourist service providers, Michael has been an ambassador for this area to thousands of visitors. And due to his outgoing, convivial personality, he has become part and parcel of the local community in the intervening years.

John O’Regan

IT Manager, Ericsson, Athlone

John is a Leading IT Engineer at Ericsson, Athlone. Ericsson are a world leader in the rapidly changing environment of communications technology – providing equipment, software and services to enable transformation through mobility. John, at Ericsson, through his leadership in technology and services has been a driving force behind the expansion and improvement of connectivity worldwide.

Dermot Horan

Senior Business Manager, Bank of Ireland

A commercial banking manager, Dermot has built up and extensive knowledge of the Banking Industry in Ireland. Having held a number of management positions within Bank of Ireland Dermot now advises high net worth individuals in the area of finance. Dermot has provided a privitol role in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Athlone, sitting and advising on the Finance Committee.