County Roscommon native appointed to board of Irish Heritage Trust

The Irish Heritage Trust has announced the appointment of a County Roscommon native to its board.

Séamus O’Grady, originally from Lecarrow and now living in Cork, brings over three decades of international experience in governance, risk management, and strategic leadership to the Irish Heritage Trust.

Seamus is one of four new directors appointed to the board. The other three are Mark Bennett, Susan Cook, Patricia Kenny. Seamus served as Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Zambia, and Namibia, where he oversaw political relations, multi-million-euro aid programmes, and governance frameworks as well as promoting Ireland and its culture and heritage internationally. Prior to his diplomatic career, he worked as a chartered accountant and led a consultancy business specialising in financial management, project evaluation, and investment analysis across Africa, Central Asia, and Europe.

Established in 2006, the Irish Heritage Trust has four landmark heritage properties currently in its care: 11 Parnell Square, Dublin, where the Trust is headquartered; Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford; and Strokestown Park & The National Famine Museum.

Ger Aherne, Irish Heritage Trust Chairman, welcomed the newly appointed directors, saying: “The Irish Heritage Trust is delighted to welcome these four individuals as voluntary directors to our Board. This injection of added talent and extensive expertise in areas such as financial & risk management, climate strategy, governance, HR and strategic leadership brings additional benefit to the Trust as we implement our Strategic Plan 2023-33.

“Our work in conservation, education, sustainability, and community engagement is greatly enhanced by the voluntary commitment of our board members, and their exceptional experience contributes to achieving our strategic objectives. I would also like to express our deep gratitude to our outgoing directors who have completed their terms of office; Caroilin Callery and Mark Henry, for their valuable contributions and insights during their tenure.”