Karen Murphy
President
Born in Brighton to Irish parents from Cork, Karen has always carried an Irish identity. Moved here in 2010 and always advocating for the Irish community's recognition in Sydney, Karen works hard to build the Irish reputation as the main cultural fabric of Sydney. Committee member since 2015 and President since 2019.
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In 2023, Karen was awarded The Peter Brennan Chair Award by The Lansdowne Club Australia. It's in recognition of people who contribute significantly and selflessly to the Irish community in Australia - across community, business, arts and the media.
Mick Comerford
Vice President
Moving here from Dublin in 2007, Mick has worked in various hospitality organisations throughout Sydney and currently managing one of Sydney's prominent Irish hotels. Mick carries a strong focus on community celebrations and events. Committee member since 2016 and Vice President since 2019.
Lorraine McCann
Secretary
Lorraine proudly hails from Dublin and has travelled nearly every inch of Australia since moving here in 1989. As a keen advocate for mental health awareness, Lorraine has volunteered for many local and Irish organisations before taking up the role as Secretary in 2019 after joining in 2015.
Susan Barrett
Treasurer
Bork in Cork, Susan volunteered with the Irish League of Credit Unions. She held various roles on the committee that operated an office in her local village twice a week. Susan left Ireland in 1999, firstly arriving in Perth. She then boarded the Indian Pacific Rail Line and arrived and settled in Sydney in time for the Melinimum celebrations and the Olympics. Susan has a background in both the legal profession and financial industry. She has been a volunteer at the festival for several years and took on the role of Treasurer in 2022.
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Shannon Green
Event Manager
Shannon is first generation Irish with her mother hailing from County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Having always been connected to her Irish roots, Shannon travelled from Australia to County Clare to marry her partner in 2018 (and yes it rained!). Combining her background in live events and passion for Irish culture and heritage, Shannon volunteered with the committee in 2021 supporting event logistics before taking on the Event Manager role in 2022.
Adrian McMyler
Marketing Manager
Recently arrived from Donegal in August 2022, Adrian jumped straight into Marketing Lead role with the organisation. From a young age, Adrian has worked with committees organising fundraising events for worthy causes - even setting up his own children's charity! Adrian joined the committee with the same passion to help grow the festival each year, reach audiences online and in person among the Irish diaspora and promote the amazing work of all Irish organisations here in Sydney.
Diarmaid Calvey
Fundraising Manager
Hailing from Milford, Co. Carlow, Diarmaid settled in Sydney after travelling most of Australia. Diarmaid is an engineer currently working in the construction industry in Sydney. Diarmaid joined the committee in 2021 working closely with fundriasing and has taken on the Fundraising Lead role in 2022 to lead us through 2023 Festival and beyond!
