Former CEO of Aer Arann Islands, Pádraig Ó Céidigh has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Shannon Group plc.

A three year term has been agreed for the Galway native following an appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) confirmed the announcement on Tuesday afternoon. The Clare Echo reported in February that the sixty four year old was among the potential candidates for the role.

An experienced business leader and entrepreneur, Mr. Ó Céidigh has extensive knowledge in the aviation sector and has a strong track record at senior levels in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior management positions including Chief Executive Office and Chairman of Aer Arann for some 26 years. He is a former winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and represented Ireland at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year.

He served as a Senator from 2016 to 2020 and is a native Irish speaker. He is an alumni of Harvard University and University College Galway, where he was awarded Business Alumni of the Year and is adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship and Business. He also holds a qualification from the Law Society of Ireland. He has previous board experience with Fáilte Ireland, RTÉ and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Pádraig stressed the economic importance of Shannon Airport to the region following his appointment. “Shannon Airport is a vital economic engine for the Shannon Region and wider west of Ireland economy. It is imperative that Shannon Group is supported in its recovery, and I am deeply committed to working with the CEO and Board to ensure this happens. The revitalisation of the airport is important not only for the staff who work there, but for the thousands of people who rely on Shannon’s air connectivity for their business and livelihoods.”

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine welcomed the long-awaited development with no Chairperson in place following the conclusion of Rose Hynes’ contract extension last August.

“His wealth of business experience in the aviation sector in particular, will be of immense support to Shannon Group. Our focus now is on continuing to rebuild vital air services for the people and businesses in this region who rely on Shannon for air connectivity. We are doing this by working with our aviation partners to build on the success we have had to-date. There is a long journey ahead for aviation recovery, but I am confident that with the right supports and the hard work of the entire team here, we will see Shannon thrive again,” Mary stated.

 

Related News

shannon bear new york 1
Shannon Bear helping passengers win flights to New York
weather tech award 1-2
Severe weather tech used during Storm Éowyn wins award
shane flanagan 1
Disgraced former Garda to plead guilty to PULSE disclosure
niall gilligan 1
Niall Gilligan's farm firm records combined profits of €207k in 2023 & 2024
Latest News
weather tech award 1-2
Severe weather tech used during Storm Éowyn wins award
inagh kilnamona v truagh clonlara 18-10-25 clare hehir aoibhin ryan 1
Inagh/Kilnamona's return to the top 'means so much' to Hehir
shane flanagan 1
Disgraced former Garda to plead guilty to PULSE disclosure
o'callaghans mills v clarecastle 20-10-25 rg seán doyle ciaran cooney 1
Mills fitness levels were 'through the roof' says victorious manager Doyle
niall gilligan 1
Niall Gilligan's farm firm records combined profits of €207k in 2023 & 2024
Premium
Niall Gilligan's farm firm records combined profits of €207k in 2023 & 2024
Race for U21A football honours wide open with wins for Bricks, Cooraclare, Ennistymon & Clondegad
Lisdoonvarna widow laments absence of restorative justice in dangerous driving case
Relief for Rocky as Mills seal return to merciless senior
Community safety 'coming to a head in Kilrush' prompting Cllrs to seek 'urgent meeting'

Advertisement

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.