Trustee Board
The Society has a committed Trustee Board of 5 highly experienced individuals.
Rory Ryan, Chair,
Rory is a regional manager for a large utility company who was a trustee for three years
before becoming Chair in June 2019. Rory is 30 years old and 3rd Generation Irish. He
is proud of his roots and was one of the two key organizers of our recent successful
Summer Ball. Rory is determined to bring the younger generations into the
involvement of the Society.
Jo Addleton, Treasurer
Joe is a retired businesswoman running a successful small business in Coventry for many
years. A Trustee since 2012 Jo is actively involved in the business planning and future
development of the Society.
Kate McCarthy, Secretary,
Kate is a senior Social Work Manager with Warwickshire Social Services. Kate Was CIS Chair
for 8 years until 2015 and hence brings great voluntary sector experience. Kate is noted for
her communication and public speaking skills and is hugely positive about her Irish heritage.
Kay Forrest, Trustee,
Kay is a retired nurse that worked for the NHS for 40 years. Kay was heavily involved in the Coventry
Irish Festival until its closure in 2008. Kay has been the lead organiser of the Coventry St. Patrick's
Festival since 2003 and has huge experience as a Society Trustee frm 2001-2019. Kay was chair
for a few years before stepping down in 2019.
Elizabeth Flannelly, Trustee,
Liz is a successful businesswoman and owner of ‘Flannelly’s Irish Club’. She was the co-lead
on our recent Summer Ball and supports the Society’s events bringing great experience to
the Charity.
Staff Team
Simon McCarthy CEO
Simon is a welfare graduate with 25-years experience in Social Welfare including Social
Services, Education and 15 years with the Coventry Irish Society. Prior to his management
role, Simon supported 350 Irish Survivors to access compensation from the Irish Redress
Board.
Kiera Forrest, P.A to the Manager,
Kiera is 3rd Generation Irish and joined the Society in July 2018. Kiera possesses excellent
administrative skills and has quickly initiated some new services for CIS including an online
Irish Passport Service Facility. Kiera’s role includes finance systems, service databases,
marketing, and social media.