Meet the Team

Profile

I’ve worked in DMOs since 1999, both rural and urban. Initially I was in leisure tourism but made the move to MICE in 2010 and have not looked back. My early career involved welding equipment but left that after an incident involving nuclear submarines – ask me about that some day! I currently serve as Vice President of European Cities Marketing representing the meetings industry and sit on the sustainability committee of SITE.

Favourite Place in Dublin

Walking into the Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College still gives me a shiver – I just think it is such a spectacular space. I love a good pint of Guinness and there are no shortage of great spots to enjoy it in Dublin. To get a perfect pint with a creamy head after the correct pour is so enjoyable.

Fun Fact about Sam

I once had tea with Diana, Princess of Wales. I won a ‘Bonnie Baby’ contest when I was about 7-months old. And I still have the trophy!

Sam’s favourite Irish song​

Creativity is in the Irish DNA leading to some incredible songs. I don’t have a note in my head so I only listen, but one that always gets the hairs on the back of my neck standing is when I hear U2’s Beautiful Day. It reminds me of a video from many years promoting Dublin and it really was ahead of its time.

Sam’s favourite Irish Sport​

Rugby. I know it isn’t indigenous to us, but we play it so very well and punch way above our weight, both at club level but also on the international stage. Like so many things that we do.

If Sam was stranded on a dessert island, what 3 Irish things would he bring​?

There are so many Irish inventions that I would consider, like the submarine which would be very handy. But if I was to stay on that island for a while I would definitely like to have an endless Guinness keg – it’s ‘Good for You’ after all. Next would be some of the wonderful Irish cuisine that we produce year round, right across the country. And last but not least would be a couple more Irish people – as the friendliest people in the world we would have great ‘craic’.

Profile

I caught the MICE bug early on in my career & thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of it over the years from operations and traveling to weird and wonderful places accompanying groups to Business Development and Management.  

Favourite Place in Dublin

Strolling around St. Stephens Green on a sunny day with my little boy, feeding the ducks & going for a Murphys salted caramel ice cream afterwards.

Fun fact about Aine

Whilst working on an incentive group on the Florida keys, I had to organise the rapid departure of 10 sea planes against a rising tide…the last one left (with a few drops of water in the cabin) in the nick of time with me on it thankfully!

Aine’s favourite thing about her job

I am very proud of our beautiful city, so it’s a pleasure to show International Business Tourism buyers all that we have to offer for their MICE business. I enjoy meeting people from so many different industries and our own industry partners, so it makes for varied and interesting days.

Aine’s claim to fame

In my college days I served Stevie Nicks, Sir Cliff Richard & Belinda Carlisle in the Westbury Hotel & met Sam Neil in a Dublin restaurant one evening while out for dinner.

Profile

I took my science degree (cell and molecular biology) to the UAE where I taught science for 3 years, experienced many different cultures, caught up with locals and did some extensive travelling. On returning home I had a new found love for my city and country. I completed my diploma in event management, worked in the MICE industry for a few years before acquiring a wealth of knowledge within the operational side of international association conferences. I am excited and proud to bring my operational experience to the DCB team along with my knowledge of our industry and city to our ambassadors embarking on their journey to hosting an international conference.

Favourite Place in Dublin

The 40ft; Sea swimming with the locals you will always meet a friendly face, welcomed by the Irish Sea and feeling revitalised after a fresh dip.

Fun fact about Rachael

I love daily swims in the sea, even in the middle of February when the water is its coldest!

Rachael’s Favourite Irish dish

A hearty Irish stew during the winter months.

Rachael’s claim to fame

Representing Ireland at the Touch Rugby World Cup in Malaysia 2019.

Rachael’s favourite Irish Seanfhocail​ (proverb)

Bíonn siúlach scéalach (travellers have tales to tell)

Profile

I’m very happy to be one of the longest serving members of the DCB team. Day to day I enjoy focusing on association meetings, I manage and monitor leads from bid stage through to conversion. I regularly attend overseas promotional events and enjoy getting to know our varied clients and conducting site inspections.

I have worked in tourism and hospitality all my working life and have been lucky to have spent almost 20 years here in Fáilte Ireland, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain experience in different areas of the organisation.

Favourite Place in Dublin

I’m from Dublin and I love my city. I really enjoy exploring new attractions and experiences, but I also get excited by some of my favourites places like Trinity College or Dublin Castle.

Fun Fact about Frances

My favourite things to do are to walk in St Ann’s Park or on Dollymount Beach, which is a UNESCO biosphere and is just 20 minutes from the city centre. Throw in some ballroom dancing, and that makes me a happy Dubliner.

What are Frances’ favourite Irish sayings

Some of my favourite traditional Irish sayings go like this, A good laugh and a long sleep are two of the best cures and Hindsight is the best insight to foresight

What is Frances’ favourite Irish song?

One of my favourite Irish songs is The Saunter, which explains that no matter where in the world you travel to, there is nowhere like Graton Street in Dublin on a sunny summer morning.

I started my career in Tourism on an IBEC graduate programme over 15 years ago where I worked promoting Ireland as a holiday destination in the Belgian market. Since then I have worked in all areas of MICE within Fáilte Ireland including Trade Promotions, Corporate & Incentive and Association Conferences. I currently work on the Association Conference team in DCB working hard with our conference ambassadors to understand their conference requirements and to ensure that their objectives are met. I concentrate on winning bid documents, site visits and ensuring our clients have all the tools to hand to both win bids and organise successful & memorable conferences. I work closely with Dublin’s Professional Conference Organisers and hotels and venues to ensure Dublin is at the forefront of our client’s minds when choosing a destination for their next conference.

Your favourite place in Dublin & why

One of favourite places in Dublin is The Liberties. For me, it’s such a mix of the real authentic Dublin I remember from my childhood, steeped in history with wonderful characters and then also the exciting, vibrant, creative space it is now becoming.

Fun fact about yourself

I have four children under 8 all with varying shades of red hair

Favourite thing about your job?​

I am a people person and I love meeting so many different people from all walks of life. I feel privileged to learn a little bit about their worlds.

Claim to Fame

I have been known to dabble in amateur dramatics and have played the title role of Sive in John B. Keane’s tragic play.

I have had a passion for the Tourism and Hospitality industry since a young age, I have 8+ years’ experience working across various sectors within this space and I have acquired various qualifications along the way including, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business, a BA Honours degree in Business with Event Management, a Higher Certificate in Arts and a Certificate in Tourism with Business. I started my Fáilte Ireland journey on an IBEC Global Graduate programme in 2019 on The Product Sales & Distribution team, and I then had the opportunity to work on the Digital that Delivers team in 2020. I am delighted to say that my Fáilte Ireland journey has continued to blossom with my latest role on the Corporate & Incentive team at The Dublin Convention Bureau in 2021.

Favourite place in Dublin & why

One of my favourite things to do in Dublin is Hike! There are an endless number of incredible walks in Dublin that’ll get your heart-rate soaring. From long walks in the Dublin Mountains to easyish saunters, like the Killiney Hill walk. One of my personal favourites is the Howth Cliff Walk.

Fun fact about Aileen

People tend to be flabbergasted when they find out that I am half French and I cannot speak a word of French.

Aileen’s Favourite Irish Seanfhocail

‘TUR AN T-ÁDH AGUS TIOCFAIDH SÉ’ – This proverb is Irish optimism at its best. A self-fulfilling prophecy, that if you envisage good that good will inevitably come. It is an intention that anyone can manifest their destiny and that intent can summon good fortune.

Aileen’s Favourite Irish song

I must say I am a big fan of The Dubliners, from their classic ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ to ‘The Fields of Athenry’ they are always a crowd pleaser and really get the Irish jigs started!

I am new to the DCB team but not to Failte Ireland. I have spent eight happy years dealing directly with the public at the tourist information office at Dublin airport and a further six looking after international media visits. I am a proud Dubliner and delight in showing off our great city to visitors.

Favourite place in Dublin & why

A perfect day for me is a spin out to Howth, a walk on Howth head followed by a pint at the Summit Inn, a stroll back down to the village and late lunch in one of the west pier fish restaurants.

Fun fact about Sandra

I have a masters degree in Spanish Literature and am a fluent speaker.

Sandra’s favourite Irish song

Can I choose two? The romantic in me loves the Furey’s When you were Sweet Sixteen but I can’t deny my long and deep relationship with U2, I struggle to pick a favourite but today I am going with Who’s going to ride your wild horses.

Sandra’s favourite Irish Sport

Gaelic Football, in particular Ladies Football. It has been great to see the female game develop so strongly over the last decade and to see the huge female participation in the sport. It is certainly something I have enjoyed sharing with my daughters.

I graduated from Maynooth University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics. Growing up through secondary school and in my early university years I worked in a family business assisting on Sales and Marketing. This had me working at some events and trade shows early in my life and gave me a taste for the lifestyle. After graduation, I joined a company in the transport industry and gained my first experience in international business dealing with suppliers and vendors in the UK, Netherlands, Spain & the United States. I am currently as of June 2023 a part of the DCB team assisting with Association conferences.

Favourite place in Dublin & why

My favourite place in Dublin has to be the Phoenix Park. It has so much to offer in many aspects. It has many great sites like the Wellington Monument or our presidents home Aras an Uachtarain. You can also attend events there like a concert or festivals like Bloom. If you are not already convinced you can take a stroll and take in the wildlife by watching the Deer or feeding the ducks. My best memories are visiting Dublin Zoo regularly as a child with my grandparents which was bundles of fun. Nothing can beat the park on a warm, sunny summers day.

Fun fact about David

Love everything movies, music and sport. I am also a sneaker collector.

David’s favourite Irish song

My favourite Irish song is Zombie by the Cranberries. You also can not beat the sound of ‘The Fields of Athenry’ sang by the crowd at an Ireland game.

David’s favourite Irish Sport

My favourite Sport is Rugby. Although this is not an Irish sport, this is a sport that we are genuinely world class in. We are attracting the best coaches and players nationally and internationally at all levels. This is closely followed by Football. I enjoy keeping up to date with the Irish Players Male and Female. I keep a keen eye on our own captain Katie McCabe as she plays for the team I support, Arsenal FC. She has just won Woman’s Player of the Season 2023 proving again that many talented athletes come from our shores.