Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is tasked with overseeing the long-term strategic vision and ensuring the continued growth of Ireland Network Chicago. Thank you to the Advisory Board for their dedication and service.

RUAIRI BARNWELL

Ruairí is a Principal at DLR Group, a global integrated design firm, where he leads the Smart Buildings Practice. Originally from Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ruairí moved to Chicago in 2000 after graduating from DIT with a BSc in Engineering. Ruairí has been involved with IN Chicago since its inception in 2003 and has served on the Executive Committee for the past 3 years.

Orla Castanien 

Orla is an executive coach and leadership consultant with over 20 years of leadership in finance, operations and strategy. As an adoptive mom, Orla is active in educating herself in the challenges of being a transracial family, becoming a keen advocate for DEI education to provide leaders with concrete, measurable actions to create a more inclusive culture.

Garrett Diamond

Originally from Co. Meath, Garrett has lived in Chicago on and off for nearly 15 years. A DIT hospitality and Tourism Graduate, Garrett initially spent a number of years in the hotel and bar business in Chicago. He is now working as a Sales and Business Development Representative for Stuart Dean Company in Facilities Services. Garrett lives in Oak Park with his wife Katie and their 3 children. 

Ken Dooley

A native of Ireland, Ken spent several years in the English and Irish Banking industry prior to immigrating to Chicago in 1994. In 2000, Ken made the transition into real estate and is one of Chicago’s most sought after real estate professionals–consistently ranked among the top 1% of Brokers for closed transactions by the Chicago Association of Realtors.

Edward Galvin 

Edward Galvin is responsible for North America B2B Commercial Payments Sales at Visa, working to grow commercial card portfolios. Edward graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Masters of Science from University College Cork. He is a mentor and a certified Co-Active Leadership coach. In addition to the IN Advisory Board, he is also President of the Chicago Irish Film Festival.

Clodagh Lawless 

For Irish-born entrepreneur Clodagh Lawless, a deep-rooted love of Irish hospitality became a true calling that has seen the success of many of Chicago’s beloved restaurants such as The Gage and Acanto. In 2016, along with her sister Amy, she opened The Dearborn, an ambitious venture in the city’s downtown Loop. Clodagh lives in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago with her husband Colm and two sons. 

Vice Consul Pádraig Manning 

Pádraig Mannin is the Vice Consul and Deputy Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago. During his time with the Department of Foreign Affairs he has worked on the Irish Government's response to Brexit, North South cooperation, and the Shared Island Initiative. He holds a BA from University College Cork and an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Ray McEntee

Ray McEntee, a licensed U.S. attorney and qualified solicitor in Ireland, England, and Wales, leads the Sports and Entertainment Department at McEntee Law Group. He advises on visa and green card options for professionals in these industries and assists clients in obtaining Irish citizenship through foreign birth registration.

Brian Moore

Brian has been a member of the Ireland Network since its inception and is a past president. He works in Corporate Finance at Exelon (parent company of ComEd) and lives with his wife Sheila, in Lincoln Park and they have three children Dylan (23), Julia (20) and Olivia (18).

Denis Neville 

Denis Neville is founder and CEO of CoreFX Ingredients LLC, a company specializing in the development of turnkey health through nutrition ingredient solutions. With a M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, Denis has led commercial and technical development roles for the food and beverage industry for over 23 years. Denis’ business philosophy is focused on leading with  purpose, creativity and innovation.

Donal O'Brien

Donal O’Brien was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He attended University College Dublin before emigrating to the United States.  He is a partner at the law firm of Bryan Cave Leigton Paiser, LLP where he focuses on mergers and acquisitions and corporate law.  He also teaches corporate law at Loyola University Chicago, School of Law.

Nora Walsh

A native of Dublin, Nora moved to Chicago before enrolling at Loyola University to earn a degree in Computer Science. She works as VP of Investor Relations for Gas N Wash. Nora is a Board Member for Weish4Ever: The Andrew Weishar Foundation, a nonprofit that supports teens and young adults battling cancer.

Niamh Whelan-Reiter

Niamh leads North America Marketing at Avanade bringing focus, creativity and the art of storytelling to help drive growth and results. With a 25+ career that spans Ireland, France and the United States, Niamh is passionate about helping organizations tap into the power of marketing and communications to drive brand awareness and business value. She holds a BS in Business & Marketing Management from Trinity.