KILMIHIL’s Eoin Keane has been appointed as the Director of the Irish Whiskey Association.
Eoin had been working with RTÉ and left his role as political correspondent for RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, which he had been appointed to in November 2022.
Before becoming the political correspondent, Eoin was a familiar voice on RnG as a commentator for seven years.
He has also worked in Brussels as Head of Advocacy in spiritsEurope and was Manager of Food Policy, Science and R&D with FoodDrinkEurope. Keane also spent time working in Washington DC.
Speaking on his appointment to the Ibec lobby group, the past pupil of St Michael’s Community College stated, “I am greatly looking forward to this role which represents a remarkable opportunity to champion, safeguard and advocate for Irish whiskey both nationally and globally. I am committed to guiding the Irish Whiskey Association in its work with members and stakeholders to embrace the significant opportunities offered by the increased global demand for our premium product. I am equally ready to address the challenges facing our industry particularly in the areas of supply chain, international trade and protecting our all-island Geographic Indication.
“The growth of Irish whiskey sales abroad is delivering for Ireland: creating jobs, attracting tourists, supporting local communities, increasing purchasing from Irish farmers and suppliers; and boosting exchequer revenues. The Whiskey category is an integral part of the wider Irish drinks industry which directly employs over 8,500 people across the island of Ireland. Last year was a particularly special one for our sector – with the export value of Irish Whiskey from the island of Ireland surpassing €1 billion for the first time ever. I look forward to continuing to drive this success for the sector as Director of the Irish Whiskey Association”.
Eoin is not the only one media figure to have swapped Leinster House for the drinks industry. Fiach Kelly who was political correspondent with The Irish Times prior to becoming a media advisor for Justice Minister, Helen McEntee (FG) has recently joined the communications team of drinks manufacturer, Diageo.
