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.
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.
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.
Chara Schultz
Partner, Martin Egan & Co. Solicitors
Chara has been working with Martin Egan & Co., Solicitors in Athlone since the firm’s inception. She qualified as a solicitor in 2011, and she became a partner in 2015. Martin Egan & Co. is a thriving legal practice situated in the heart of Church Street, Athlone who advise and act in all areas of general practice. They advise private and business clients alike. The firm specialises in the areas of Conveyancing, Probate and Administration of Estates and Civil Litigation. Chara herself has particular expertise within the areas of Wills, Administration of Estates, Capital Taxation and Personal Injury Litigation.
Maryrose Lyons
Managing Director of Brightspark Consulting Limited
Maryrose Lyons is the Founder of Brightspark Consulting, the longest running digital marketing agency in Ireland. One of the earliest practitioners of digital marketing, and a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Science, Maryrose works to deliver digital and social media strategies to a wide range of clients, including tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, e-learning, food and drink, and media.
Maryrose has a BA in Economics and Business from Trinity, MSc in Cyberpsychology from IADT. She is regularly listed in the Top 50 Irish Marketers, and is ranked by LinkedIn in the Top 1% for Social Media. Maryrose has also completed an Institute of Directors course for not-for-profit Board Members.
John McKenna
Vice President, Athlone Institute of Technology
Biography in update
Fergus O Donovan
General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel.
Bio in Update