A RAFT of new faces have arrived at the Irish Embassy in London - taking up positions formerly held by their now moved on predecessors.
Irish Ambassador to Britain Adrian O’Neill welcomed the new members of his team, confirming: “Autumn is always a time of change in the Embassy with new colleagues arriving to replace those who have left over the summer months.
“This year is no exception, although Covid-19 has meant quite different farewells and greetings.”
He added: “So I’m very pleased to have this chance to introduce you to the new arrivals to the Embassy team, to welcome them in print and to thank all their predecessors, who I know many of you knew and will miss.”
The Embassy’s new Director of Brexit and EU Affairs is Fiona Flood, who Mr O’Neill reveals: “Has certainly had a busy start to her posting in recent weeks.”
Ms Flood replaces Nicole Mannion, who has joined the new EU Delegation to the UK as Deputy Head of Mission.
New members of the team arrive at the Irish Embassy in LondonRuaidhri Dowling, formerly head of the Irish Community team, has now taken up his role as Ireland’s Ambassador to Croatia, and has been replaced by Isobel O’Connor, “who is already engaging in multiple introductory zoom calls around Britain”, the Ambassador confirmed.
Helen Dennis and Susan Minogue have also joined the Community team replacing Ciara Seymour and Emer Mallon at the building in Grosvenor Place.
“I am also very pleased to welcome new colleagues from the Departments of Finance, Justice and Agriculture,” Mr O’Neill added.
Aidan Carrigan now heads up the Embassy’s Finance Team, while Martin McDermott and John Muldowney join the Embassy staff force from the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Agriculture.
Heading up the Embassy’s Administration team is Ursula Cordial, who is joined by Trish Codd.
Thomas McGinn joins the Press & Communications team, while Bridget Johnson joins colleagues from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the Economic team.
Kate Smyth, Patricia Kilkenny and Barry Condon have all joined Rose Gaughan in the Passport Office “and are already reminding people to check their passport dates and if a new passport is needed, to apply online at www.dfa.ie/passport”, Mr O’Neill explained.
“While the Embassy remains open by appointment only, we are continuing to provide our usual range of services and supports to the Irish community and remain available to answer queries by phone or email,” he added.
“Unfortunately, it may be a while before we are able to meet in person or to welcome people back to the Embassy for social occasions.
“In the meantime do stay in touch with us, including via our website www.embassyofireland.co.uk, and social media accounts Twitter @IrelandEmbGB, Facebook @irishembassylondon & Instagram @irishembassyuk.
“Please also continue to mind yourselves and each other.”
