Pride Magazine 2025

MEET

Ronan Kenny (he/him): Committee Member Ronan has worked in the IT sector for over 10 years, and currently leads a team in Keeper Security here in Cork City and has volunteered with Cork Pride for the last 4 years. He has a strong focus on DEI and coaching in the workplace which naturally resonated to the Cork Pride Festival. Ronan works on delivering the Cork Pride Party at the Port. Mary White (she/her): Committee Member Mary White is a seasoned operations and communications leader with over 20 years’ experience. She is an award-winning author, winning the 2018 An Post Irish Sports Book of the Year for Game Changer, and earning a 2015 shortlist for her debut Relentless. Passionate about inclusion in sport and community, Mary is an active member of Frontrunners, and Na Laochra Aeracha GAA Club. Mary has been volunteering with Cork Pride for three years. Dáire Collins (he /him): Committee Member Dáire Collins is a philosophy graduate from University College Cork where he recently obtained a bachelor’s degree. He also has a passion for community and inclusion. He manages the only LGBTQ+ nightclub in Cork, creating a safe and vibrant space for the queer community. Dáire also volunteers with Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival, where he plays a key role in coordinating logistics, including supporting the Party at the Port and Pride on Tour. Evan Murphy Keogh (he/him): Committee Member Having been involved in Cork Pride initially from 2008 - 2011, Evan returned to the Cork Pride Festival family in a direct capacity in 2022 to help manage and support several events including Work With Pride. Evan is also involved in a number of LGBTQ+ initiatives across the corporate and sporting scenes in Cork to promote visibility and inclusiveness. On the weekends you can usually find him enjoying the scenery at The Lough during the day.

Denise Boyle (she/her): Chairperson Denise has been the Parade and Afterparty Manager for the past 8 years. A well known Cork building contractor, Denise is a registered gas technician, CAD technician, and electrician. She is a huge Munster Rugby fan, is the Coach for Mallow Women’s Rugby team and is Chairperson of Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival.

Damien O’Halloran (he/him): Vice Chairperson Damien O’Halloran is an executive leader working in IT for over 25 years, leading globally diverse teams. He is actively involved in multiple diversity and inclusion functions, most especially Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), focusing on encouraging team members to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.

Darren Fitzgerald (he/him): Treasurer Darren joined the Cork Pride team in 2021 and currently holds the role of Treasurer. Darren is a Partner and head of Private Clients at Orbitus Law LLP. Darren’s goal, being a proud member of the community, is to promote community presence within the legal realm.

Kery Mullaly: Business Development Manager Kery handles the Cork Pride sponsorships remit. Kery has brokered partnerships and sponsorships across many festivals and events including the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Electric Picnic, Cork Midsummer Festival, and the Cork International Choral Festival. He divides his time between Kilkenny and Cork.

Aoife McLoughlin (she/her): Committee Member Aoife has been a dedicated member of the Cork Pride Festival for the past 7 years, and a committee member for the past two years bringing her passion, energy, and unwavering support as a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Her commitment to inclusion and celebration has helped shape Cork Pride into the vibrant and welcoming festival it is today. Outside of her work with Cork Pride, Aoife is an enthusiastic supporter of local athletics and soccer teams, always cheering from the sidelines and backing community spirit. She also enjoys taking part in the iconic Lee Swim, embracing both the challenge and camaraderie of the event. Aoife’s drive to build stronger, more inclusive communities is at the heart of everything she does. Dee Finn (she/her): Community Liaison Dee Finn is an Events Manager and theatre maker based in Cork City. She has worked with Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival since 2022 and manages a range of events, including The Big Queer Debs, Family Fun Day, Welcome to the Community and coordinates the Cork Pride Community Events Scheme. She has also edited the Cork Pride Magazine since 2023. In addition to her work with Cork Pride, Dee is part of Cork-based theatre company Oh!Scare Wilde Productions and has directed their most recent shows Bottlenose: A Mystery for Modern Ireland (2025) and The Pigeon Factory (2023, 2034).

Joe Curtin (he/him): Youth Event Coordinator Joe is a new member of Cork Pride this year, part of the planning team for the Youth Pride Mental Health Event. Joe is a Youth Worker with CDYS Youth Work Ireland and is the coordinator of The Hut Youth Project (UBU) for the Gurranabraher & Churchfield area on the northside of Cork City. Joe is a facilitator with the Mind Your Head Youth Mental Health Programme, current Chairperson of Turners Cross Community Association, member of the Development Committee of The Kabin Studio, & elected to the Secretariat of the Cork City Public Participation Network (PPN). Jennifer Grey (she/her): Youth Event Coordinator Jennifer Fitzgerald is a dedicated art therapist specialising in one-to-one therapy, groups, and community outreach. With a passion for using creative expression as a tool for healing and connection, she empowers young people to explore their identities and navigate mental health challenges. This Cork Pride, Jennifer is hosting a special event focused on mental health awareness for LGBTQ+ youth, providing a safe and inclusive space to express, connect, and heal through art. Her commitment to fostering resilience and understanding makes her a valued advocate in the community.

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