Siamsa Tíre Welcomes New Chair of the Board
Siamsa Tíre, today announces that Seán Murphy has stepped down as Chair of the Board, with Martin O’Donoghue appointed as the organisation’s new Chair.
Seán Murphy has served as Chair since March 2021 guiding Siamsa Tíre through a period of significant transformation, renewed strategic focus, and post-pandemic recovery. Under his leadership, the organisation strengthened its governance structures, advanced key capital and digital initiatives, and deepened its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.
Seán will remain on the Board, continuing to contribute his extensive experience in business strategy, leadership, and the arts to support Siamsa Tíre’s ongoing development. As his own business, Murphy’s Ice Cream continues its remarkable growth trajectory, Seán’s expanded business commitments, which involve extensive international travel, influenced his decision to step aside from the Chair to allow a new leadership term to commence at Siamsa Tíre.
Speaking about his tenure, Seán Murphy said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Siamsa Tíre during a period of significant change and renewed ambition. The past years required difficult decisions, made always with the organisation’s long-term wellbeing at heart. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together and sincerely grateful to all whose commitment made that progress possible. I look forward to continuing to support Siamsa Tíre as a Board member. I am delighted to see Martin take on the role and am confident the organisation will continue to thrive under his leadership..”
Siamsa Tíre is pleased to welcome Martin O’Donoghue as incoming Chair. Serving on the board since 2023, Martin brings extensive governance, legal and corporate leadership experience to the role. A solicitor qualified in Ireland and in England & Wales, he is a member of the Institute of Directors and formerly served as General Counsel and Global Head of Legal at Kerry Group plc. He brings a deep commitment to supporting the sustainability, artistic ambition, and strategic clarity of the organisation.
Commenting on his appointment, Martin O’Donoghue said: “It is an honour to be appointed Chair of Siamsa Tíre. I look forward to working with
the Board and Executive to bring further success to the organisation, strengthen its role within the cultural life of the region, and support the artists and communities we serve.”
Angela Ryan Whyte, CEO of Siamsa Tíre, added: “We are deeply grateful to Sean for his steady leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering support over the past several years. His contribution has helped shape a strong foundation for our next chapter. We warmly welcome Martin as Chair and look forward to working with him as Siamsa Tíre continues to evolve as a home for creativity, artistic exploration, and community connection.”
Martin O’Donoghue – Incoming Chair
Martin O’Donoghue is a solicitor qualified in Ireland and in England & Wales, and a member of the Institute of Directors. He is the former General Counsel and Global Head of Legal at Kerry Group plc, where he oversaw international legal strategy, governance frameworks, and global compliance. Martin brings a wealth of experience in corporate leadership, strategic oversight, and organisational governance. He has a longstanding commitment to supporting the arts and is passionate about strengthening Siamsa Tíre’s role as a creative and cultural hub for the region.
Sean Murphy – Outgoing Chair (continuing Board member)
Sean Murphy has served as Chair of Siamsa Tíre since 2021, leading the organisation through a period of significant change including governance renewal, strategic planning, and organisational transformation. With a strong background in business, strategy, and arts engagement, Sean has made a lasting contribution to Siamsa Tíre’s development. He continues to serve on the Board, where his expertise and guidance remain an invaluable asset to the organisation.
