The Queensland Irish Association’s Board of Directors
Get to know your Board of Directors for the Queensland Irish Association:
Chris Begley – President
“I have known the new Directors for many years as long-standing members of the QIA.”
Chris’ family came to Queensland from County Waterford and County Armagh. Completing school at Marist Brothers’ College, Rosalie in 1967, Chris has undertaken various roles within various Queensland Government agencies over the years, as well as previously serving as a Director on the Queensland Irish Association Board and Finance Committee before becoming President of the QIA.
Paul Hogan – Treasurer
“The new Directors bring an enormous depth of talent to the Board in these difficult times.”
Born in Brisbane in 1959, Paul attended St Laurence’s College and is a past Oldboys President of the school. Currently he is the Managing Director of Catalyst Sports Management, which manages international, experienced and promising athletes. With Irish ancestry hailing from County Clare, Paul has proudly been a member of the QIA since 1997 and believes in continued support of Irish heritage in Queensland.
Pauline Donegan – Director
The first female Vice-President of the Queensland Irish Association, Pauline brings a wealth of experience to her role. Born in Dublin, Pauline first joined the QIA in 1982, where she has been involved on various committees over the years, including St Brigid’s Day Committee and the Tigh Gaelach Ladies Gourmet Club, as well as the founder of the Bloomsday celebrations at the Irish Club.
John Fraser – Director
John has worked as a Barrister-at-law since 1985. While originally schooled in Sydney, he graduated from QUT with degrees of Bachelor of laws and Arts and has been admitted to practice in Queensland, NSW and ACT. Currently a Director at Catalyst Sports Management, John’s experience on various boards throughout the state is expansive. He has previously served on the Qld Indigenous Barristers Committee, as the President of Labor Lawyers, and as the Vice President of the Crown Prosecutors Association of Qld.
Mark Plunkett – Director
Mark has been a barrister in private practice in Brisbane for the past 32 years. During this time he has served as counsel for a number of Government parties, as well as working on peacekeeping planning for the Australian interventions in Bougainville, East Timor and the Solomon Islands. Mark’s board experience includes time serving as Chair of the Sugar Industry Tribunal and Deputy President of the Brisbane Community Corrections Board.The court-accredited mediator has also served as an elected member of the Council of the Bar Association of Queensland for the last six years.
Noela McCormick – Director
Noela has been a Director of the Queensland Irish Association for many years, during which time she has actively supported the growth of the QIA Library, as well as the club’s dancing and musical groups. Also heavily involved in the Irish Club’s social and affiliate groups, Noela also served as the convener for the Queensland Rose of Tralee Quest for 15 years, as well as co-founding the St Brigid’s Day Committee, the popular Bridge Club and the Tigh Gaelach Gourmet Club.
Donna O’Donoghue – Director
Donna has been a regular visitor of the Irish Club from an early age, having first begun Irish dancing lessons here at age five. Her love of Irish culture also extends to music, as well as harbouring an interest in Irish history and literature, which she studied at university. Donna is currently a solicitor who has worked across prosecutions, private practice and Government, where she is currently the Senior Advisor to the Opposition Leader. Donna brings a sound legal and commercial experience, combined with her passion for the Irish Club, to her role as a Director of the Board. Donna was honoured to be awarded a Centenary Medal for services to the community and the public sector.
Maurice Wrenn – Director
Born in Kerry, Maurice arrived in Brisbane in 1986. He has been an active member of the QIA for the past 20 years, dedicating his time to the growth of many of the Association’s cultural events, as well as affiliate groups that include the much-loved Queensland Rose of Tralee. The former Trinity College (Dublin) graduate currently works as a management consultant.
Seamus Sullivan – Director
Since arriving in Brisbane in the 1970s, Seamus has been a member of the Queensland Irish Club. His involvement and interest in preserving Irish heritage has extended into his co-founding of a number of integral Irish clubs within the state; these include the Qld Gaelic Football & Hurling Association, as well as the Irish Australian Support Association and the celebrated St Patrick’s Day Parade. Seamus’ wealth of knowledge and involvement within the Irish community of Queensland has led to his status as a long-standing Director of the Board.