DMG Media Ireland’s 40 Under 40: Spotlight on PR Excellence
DMG Media Ireland has recognized 40 exceptional individuals under 40 shaping the PR landscape with its prestigious 40 Under 40 series. Among this talented cohort are Ciara Flaherty, Paddy O’Dea, and Maree Rigney, whose achievements and dedication are truly inspiring. Let’s delve into their remarkable journeys:
### Ciara Flaherty: Leading Communications with Purpose at Springboard Communications
Ciara Flaherty, associate director at Springboard Communications, boasts over 10 years of experience spearheading impactful internal and external communications campaigns for prominent clients like Ørsted, Fáilte Ireland, Zeus, and more.
Working collaboratively, Flaherty empowers Springboard’s global and national clients to elevate their reputations through integrated strategies encompassing corporate communications, internal communications audits and strategies, leadership and media training, content creation, digital communications, and more.
Springboard, a distinguished international partner of Worldcom Public Relations Group, was awarded PRCA Agency of the Year in Ireland in 2023. Flaherty’s expertise extends beyond agency work; she honed her skills as a digital journalist for BreakingNews.ie and Irish Examiner. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Media and Communications and a Law degree. As a committed member of both the Institute of Internal Communication and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, Flaherty actively contributes to the industry’s growth.
Flaherty’s hobbies reflect her multifaceted personality: from embroidery to soap-making, and recently, stained glass creation.
**Insights from Ciara:**
- Hobbies: Everything from embroidery to soap-making – recently been learning how to create with stained glass.
- Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Most dilemmas can be solved by having a conversation.
- Why you love your job: The sheer variety of clients and industries I get to work with. It’s never dull, and there’s always a sense of purpose in the work we take on.
- Motto for Life: Comparison is the thief of joy – you have to carve out a career and a life that is meaningful to you, and that will look different for everyone.
### Paddy O’Dea: Navigating Media, Business, and Public Policy at FINN Partners
Paddy O’Dea, senior partner at FINN Partners, brings nearly a decade of expertise to clients operating at the intersection of business, media, and public policy.
His work involves guiding clients towards a clear, impactful media narrative and shaping public discourse. O’Dea is passionate about partnering with innovative organizations that seek to make a difference, even if it means challenging conventional norms.
O’Dea played a key role during FINN Partners’ acquisition in 2021 and possesses a unique ability to identify and refine a client’s core message.
A recognized voice in strategic communications, O’Dea has contributed to publications like the Sunday Independent, Irish Independent, Business Post, The42.ie, TheJournal.ie, and Fora.ie.
He has also shared his insights as a guest lecturer for postgraduate programs at DCU and UCD.
O’Dea’s previous experiences include roles at Gibney Communications, Fleishman Hillard, Bank of Ireland, and Digicel. He remains actively engaged in his community through his involvement with EastWallHereForAll.
**Insights from Paddy:**
- Hobbies: Listening to Second Captains, pontificating on the shifting sands of media and sport, and he can be found in a coffee shop buried under newsprint.
- Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: When you’re new in the door, make yourself indispensable
- Why you love your job: You’re at the interface of media, business, culture and politics. A brilliant career for those that like being in the thick of the action.
- Motto for life: One of the greatest human failings is to prefer to be right than to be effective. In PR, it helps to have a bit of the latter.
### Maree Rigney: Championing Clients and Fostering Growth at Walsh
Maree Rigney, client director at Walsh, joined the agency in 2018 and has rapidly become a valuable asset to the team.
Rigney excels at building enduring relationships with clients, colleagues, partners, and media contacts.
Rigney’s campaigns consistently deliver tangible results, effectively aligning with organizational strategy, purpose, and values, regardless of the industry.
One notable achievement includes leading a groundbreaking women’s contraceptive health campaign and nationwide event series, resulting in record market share for their client.
Beyond client work, Rigney demonstrates a profound commitment to professional growth, both personally and for others. In 2021, she chaired IPREX’s Emerging Leaders Committee, spearheading the creation of the IPREX Academy—a transformative 12-month program providing comprehensive curriculum, mentorship, and a conference for aspiring leaders. This initiative connects over 100 independent PR and communications agencies globally.
Rigney’s dedication to business growth shines through her proactive approach to identifying opportunities and implementing innovative solutions within Walsh, ensuring efficient client delivery.
Her unwavering calm under pressure fosters a sense of confidence and positivity within her team.
**Insights from Maree:**
- Hobbies: Visiting galleries, the theatre and local festivals with her young family, checking out the latest foodie spots, and dynamic yoga.
- Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable – embracing challenges and seeing them as opportunities means you’re always learning and growing.
- Why you love your job: The challenge of researching and understanding a new industry to the point where you become its storytellers.
- Motto for life: Dance and you’ll feel better.
These PR professionals, with their dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence, represent the bright future of the industry. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring PR professionals.
Want to learn more about DMG Media Ireland’s 40 Under 40 initiative? Click here: [Link to official webpage]
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