The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Major changes made on the board of Siamsa Tíre
THE National Folk Theatre Siamsa
Tíre have announced a number of significant changes to its Board of Directors.
After 12 years of service Company Secretary Noírín Lynch has retired from the board where she will be replaced by Louise Donlon.
Joe Leonard, chair of the Board since 2012, has retired from that position after five years in this role but he is to remain a members of the theatre board.
Pat Dawson, Regional Manager of National Parks and Wildlife Services and Manager of Killarney House has been appointed as the incoming Chair.
Other recent additions to the board include Lisa McElligott a lecturer in Creative Media and Information Technology, IT Tralee; Mícheál Ó’Coileán, a Director of Féile na Bealtaine and Padráig Mallon the Sustainability Communications Manager for Kerry Group.
Noírín Lynch was appointed to the Board in 2004.
She initially represented the Community Cast of performers, but on the retirement of Martin Fahy in 2009, she was appointed Secretary of the Board of Directors.
A reception was held in Siamsa Tíre to celebrate and acknowledge Noírín’s contribution, dedication
and service to Siamsa Tíre and Joe Leonard paid tribute to her key role in the growth and development of the folk theatre.
“Noírín has proved an invaluable member of the Board over her 12 year term. She has worked tirelessly in her role both as a director and as Company Secretary to ensure the development and good governance of Siamsa Tíre,” said Mr Leonard.
“Her acts of kindness to staff and board members alike will ensure that her contribution will be remembered by all. Noírín continues as a member of the Community Cast of performers with Siamsa Tíre and we hope to see her on stage during the National Folk Theatre’s annual season for many years to come,” he said.
As the incoming chair of Siamsa Tíre, Pat Dawson thanked Noírín for her many years of dedicated service to Siamsa.
He also welcomed the new Board members and said he was looking forward to working with all of the Board of Directors, the CEO, Artistic Director, cast members and staff to continue the tradition of excellence at Siamsa Tíre as the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Theatre approaches in 2018.
Siamsa Tére CEO Catriona Fallon paid tribute to Joe Leonard.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working under the Chairmanship of Joe Leonard over the past five years. Joe was an energetic, committed and visionary Chair and his hard work on behalf of the organisation is much appreciated by the Board and the staff team. We are also very much looking forward to working with Pat Dawson, who is no stranger to Siamsa. Pat will be instrumental in the completion and implementation of our new Strategic Plan,” she said.