Sligo-based arts manager Mary McAuliffe has been elected as the new chairperson of CMC’s board of directors.

She takes over from Dr Joseph Ryan of Athlone Institute of Technology, who has retired from CMC’s board having served for eight years, the last five of them as chair. Dr Ryan steered CMC through a significant period of growth and transition as it established itself in its new building in the Temple Bar cultural quarter of Dublin. The board and staff wish to record their sincere thanks for his time, energy and outstanding commitment to the cause of new music during this time.

Mary McAulife, a native of Co. Donegal, is a graduate of the Mater Dei Institute of Education and holds a Diploma in Social and Behavioural Science from the University of Ulster, a postgraduate Diploma in Arts Administration from UCD, and a Masters in European Cultural Planning from De Montfort University, Leicester. Currently Arts Officer with Sligo Council, she initiated the Vogler Quartet Residency as part of an innovative five-year county music development programme which incorporates instrumental tuition, music education and performance strands. She was previously Arts Officer with Waterford Corporation where she delivered a very successful musician-in-residence project with Belfast trumpeter Vivienne Johnston in partnership with the Arts Council, the Department of Music, Waterford Institute of Technology, and local brass bands. She has also worked as a post-primary teacher and in business.

CMC is very pleased to welcome Róisín O’Connell as a new member of the board. Born in Dublin, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Studies from Dublin City University and a Masters Degree in Modern Theatre Studies from University College Dublin. She spent two years running a theatre company and conducting drama workshops for primary school children before joining Setanta Communications, acting on behalf of major clients such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, Trinity College Dublin, The Pensions Board and others. She spent five years with Vodafone Ireland plc in product marketing and as Head of Corporate Communications. She now runs her own business, Eolas Communications, and works as an associate of Setanta Communications and as a freelance consultant.

Posted: 31 March 2006