Our People
We are corporate advisors, brand strategists, public affairs experts and digital specialists all operating under one roof – collaborating on projects to get the best outcomes for your needs.
Anne-Marie Curran
Managing Director, Drury
Appointed managing director of Drury in June 2010, Anne-Marie joined the agency in 2004. Anne-Marie combines her management role with strategic client support on a wide range of assignments and acts as a senior consultant on many of the firm’s retained accounts, taking an active role in special project work. She has worked on several large crisis projects in particular those involving litigation and major transactions in the infrastructure, financial services, logistics, and food and beverage sectors.
Her work with her favoured charities, the Oesophageal Cancer Fund and Orbis Ireland has seen her make a dress from lollipops and run 10k in Ethiopia. A graduate of University College Dublin, there’s a theme of three with Anne-Marie. She hails from Meath, Donegal and Kerry and she holds a DIT Masters in Public Relations, a Kings Inn Diploma in Legal Studies and a Diploma in Life Coaching.
Ben Connolly
Senior Client Executive, Drury
Ben joined Drury in 2018 and is a Senior Client Executive on the Public Affairs team. Ben supports clients on policy issues across a wide variety of sectors including energy, technology, housing and finance. Since joining Drury he was worked on a number of key public affairs campaigns such as the Commission on the Future of Policing.
Ben graduated from DIT in 2017 with a Master’s in Public Affairs and Political Communications. During his MA he worked within the Oireachtas, supporting the Seanad Independents Group on legislation and providing support to the Chair of an Oireachtas Committee.
Prior to this, Ben spent over four years within the Irish financial services sector working with Bank of Ireland, Zurich Life and software multinational Micro Focus. During his time in this sector he completed the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice (QFA) from UCD. He also holds a BA in English, Media & Cultural Studies from IADT Dún Laoghaire.
Billy Murphy
Chairman, Drury
With over 30 years experience, Billy has been to the forefront of the public relations sector in Ireland since he co-founded Drury 1989. Always a calm voice, Billy has advised on some of Ireland’s most high profile business stories and most difficult corporate challenges over that time. However, much of his best work has been lower profile where he brings experienced insights, sound perspectives and effective solutions to clients. He is a much sought after counsel to many of Ireland’s influential business leaders. Billy is a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland.
Breena Cooper
Creative Director, Drury
Breena is Creative Director where she is responsible for building a strong creative ethos both culturally and structurally. She has created and implemented comprehensive PR strategies and marketing programmes for a variety of clients within the Beauty, Healthcare, Consumer and FMCG sectors. Her current role means she spends much of her time working across agency teams on multiple key clients to ensure best in class creative and strategic solutions are provided.
Breena has worked in the communications sector for over 15 years and worked on many award-winning campaigns including leading a team that won a PR award for their work on Lollipop Day, the national awareness day of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund.
She is a Non-Executive Board Member of the Dublin Well Woman Centre and holds a BBS Marketing & Languages as well as a diploma in Digital Marketing and recently graduated with a Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership at UCD.
Cathal Barry
Director, Drury
Cathal specialises in capital markets and transaction communications, helping clients to communicate their company’s strategy, growth ambitions and financial strength.
An experienced communications consultant, Cathal works closely with senior management teams, advising on how to optimally communicate around financial calendar reporting, M&A transactions, IPOs and shareholder activism.
Having worked across some of the most high-profile Irish business stories in recent years, Cathal also provides media relations and reputation counsel to clients including CRH plc, Flutter Entertainment (formerly Paddy Power Betfair) plc, Henkel, John Sisk & Son and Kepak.
Last year, Cathal’s transaction list included, among others, the acquisition by Mediahuis NV of Independent News & Media plc for €145.6m, the sale of Green REIT plc to Henderson Park for €1.34bn and the acquisition by Flutter Entertainment plc of The Stars Group Inc. for in excess of €10bn.
Cathal began his career in print and broadcast journalism and holds a Diploma in Advertising, Marketing, Sales and PR as well as Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He is currently undertaking a Diploma in Investment & Capital Markets.
Ciara Flood
Executive Assistant, Drury
Ciara Flood joined Drury to support Anne-Marie Curran and Sinead Birt as Executive PA.
Her degree brought her to AIB for 15 years where she covered numerous roles in Human Resources before moving on to support the CFO and CEO. From there she moved to Paddy Power to support the CFO & Chairman there. Her knowledge and experience in these areas are an asset to Drury.
Ciara is a graduate of National College of Ireland where she studied Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations and also holds a diploma in Business Management from Dublin Institute of Technology.
Cian Doherty
Client Executive, Drury
Cian joined Drury in February 2019 as Client Executive on the Corporate team. Previously qualified in journalism, he spent time freelancing before relocating to the United States to take up a role in construction sales.
Claire Rowley
Client Manager, Drury
Claire is a Client Manager at Drury and holds experience in corporate reputation, financial PR, public information PR and issues management. Claire advises a variety of public and private sector clients including Tourism Ireland, CRH plc, Road Safety Authority, Science Foundation Ireland, and UPS.
As part of the corporate team, Claire has a proven track record in devising and implementing strategic reputation management programmes for clients. She has a strong understanding of how to engage media and consumers to support the delivery of effective communications campaigns for her clients.
Claire joined Drury in 2016 upon completion of an MA in Public Relations from Dublin Institute of Technology. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Culture and Society from Dublin City University.
Danielle Martin
Associate Director, Drury
Danielle joined Drury in 2019 as an Associate Director on our public affairs team having previously worked as a public affairs consultant. She specialises in public affairs and corporate communications developing strategic public affairs and communications campaigns for clients across the health, energy, technology and the not for profit sectors.
Danielle has vast experience in political and regulatory affairs having spent a number of years working as a Political Advisor for Sinn Féin in Leinster House with a focus on equality and justice issues and as a Policy Advisor to the representative body for charities in Ireland.
She holds a Degree in Politics and a Masters in Law from Queen’s University Belfast.
Gerry Naughton
Director, Drury
A native of Dublin, Gerry has a wealth of experience in the public affairs arena, straddling the political and public sector environment. He was Political Director with Fine Gael from 2003 to 2009 where he worked closely with the party leadership and contributed to the party’s political recovery. During a 20 year career in the civil service he served as a Programme Manager and Private Secretary to a number of Ministers. Gerry was Director of Government and Media Relations at the Institute of Chartered Accountants from 1997 to 2002 and he was responsible for Communications at InjuriesBoard.ie before he joined Drury.
Gerry works with a large number of clients on political issues. He also provides strategic advice to clients who want to develop or sharpen their message as well as practical training for those undertaking media interviews and profiles.
Outside of politics, his interests revolve mainly around the Dubs and Liverpool FC.
Grace Cooney
Client Manager, Drury
Grace joined Drury in November 2016 and has experience in the areas of corporate, consumer, healthcare and technology sectors.
Grace works with a variety of clients including the Road Safety Authority, Enterprise Ireland, Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, Three and Scifest. She has also worked in the areas of Consumer, Healthcare and Technology.
Working with clients from diverse sectors has allowed Grace to understand the requirements of her clients. Her specific skills lie in the execution of strategic communications plans, traditionally and digitally, and in her attention to detail. Through her experience across these varying sectors Grace has developed key contacts and relationships with journalists across the Irish media landscape enabling her to deliver her clients KPIs. An avid user of social media and a keen understanding of digital strategy, Grace has a keen understanding of creating and implementing clients digital and social media campaigns.
Grace holds a BA in English and New Media from the University of Limerick, a MA in Journalism and Media Communications and a Diploma in Online Marketing and Digital Strategy from Griffith College Dublin.
Katherine Barbeler
Associate Director, Health, Drury
Katherine joined the Porter Novelli London Health division in 2013, following six years of ethical healthcare experience at two Sydney based multi-national communications agencies. Katherine, now working in the Drury Ireland office, continues to implement a range of Global, EMEA and local initiatives on behalf of her clients.
For over 12 years, Katherine has managed strategic communications programmes for a number of prescription, over the counter and animal health brands. She brings to PR campaigns a valuable knowledge of women’s health, gastroenterology, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, virology, mental health, oral health, infant nutrition, hearing loss, rare diseases, medical devices and companion/livestock animal health.
Katherine holds a bachelor of arts in communications from the University of Technology Sydney with majors in PR and advertising.
Kelly French
Senior Client Executive, Drury
Kelly joined the Drury team as a Senior Client Executive in May 2019, after moving to Ireland from Toronto, Canada. She works on the Consumer and Digital team, with clients such as Java Republic, NIVEA, Eucerin and Cairn Homes.
Prior to moving to Ireland, Kelly worked for a Toronto-based Public Relations Agency and has experience in the areas of consumer, corporate and financial sectors. Kelly has worked with a range of international brands throughout the Canadian and US markets and brings a wealth of international experience to the DPN team.
Kelly holds a BA in Communications and Political Science from McMaster University as well as a Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College.
Louise Walsh
Director, Drury
Louise joined Drury in 2014, working across a variety of sectors including corporate and public sector clients. She brings strategic thinking and insights to her work to deliver impactful communications campaigns for her clients.
Louise works with AIB, Cairn Homes, Three Ireland, the Irish Universities Association, Greencore and Science Foundation Ireland. She works closely with her clients providing advice and recommendations around key issues as well as developing and leading communications campaigns across a variety of sectors and industries. This can range from managing sensitive issues, to proactive communications activity for key client announcements or developing supporting messages and content for the individual initiatives.
For many corporate organisations and public sector clients, Louise fulfils a press office function. With strong media relations, Louise would advise clients on proactive features, reactive media issues and briefing media when necessary.
Louise was awarded Young Communications Professional of the Year in 2018 by the PRCA. She joined the team from Griffith College Dublin where she worked as a Marketing Executive. Prior to this she worked as an Account Executive with Limelight Communications. Louise holds a BA in English and New Media from the University of Limerick and an MA in Public Relations from Dublin Institute of Technology.
Morwenna Rice
Director, Drury
Morwenna is a Director at Drury. With experience in corporate, public information, crisis communications and not-for-profit PR she is used to working with busy clients in a range of sectors including science, construction, energy, enterprise and health awareness.
She has a proven track record in executing effective PR strategies and has worked on a number of campaigns that have won PRII Awards of Excellence.
Morwenna is passionate about the importance and role of effective communications in delivering on an organisation’s business objectives. She is currently a member of the National Council of the PRII.
Prior to joining the agency, Morwenna worked in New Zealand on one of her trips around the world and previously worked in FleishmanHillard and Corporate Reputations.
Morwenna holds an honours degree in Geography and Sociology from UCD and a diploma in PR and event management from Fitzwilliam Institute.
Orlaith Sweeney
Finance manager, Drury
Finance manager, Orlaith joined Drury in October 2018 having worked as a financial accountant in ICON plc, AIG and the CIF and is responsible for the daily management of the finance function.
Orlaith has over 7 years finance experience having worked in a broad range of industries. This experience allows Orlaith to support all areas of the business be it in a commercial or financial capacity. Her attention to detail and communication skills effectively enable her to deliver accurate results each month.
She is an avid Dublin GAA fan and can be seen travelling to all corners of the world during her time out.
Orlaith pursued her studies through DBS and is ACCA qualified.
Paddy Hughes
Executive Director, Drury
With three decades experience in corporate and financial public relations, Paddy Hughes has advised and worked with the boards and senior leadership teams of foremost national and multinational companies across a range of sectors. He advises clients in relation to a broad range of corporate reputation related activity such as strategic communications, reputation management, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, financial restructurings, issues and crisis management.
Having worked for a number of years as press officer with a major multinational, Paddy joined Drury in 1996 and was appointed to its Board in 2005. In past years, Paddy has led the firm’s Corporate Communications Practice Area and has led the firm as Acting Managing Director a number of times. Paddy is a former board director of the Public Relations Consultants Association, a Fellow and a former President of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII).
Paul Clifford
Senior Client Executive, Drury
Paul joined Drury in May 2018 following graduation from Dublin Institute of Technology with a Master’s degree in Public Relations and is a Senior Client Executive on the corporate team.
In his time with Drury, Paul has developed strong media relations and continues to hone is advisory skills. Working with a diverse mix of clients, his day to day tasks include drafting both social and traditional media plans, liaising with journalists, campaign planning and execution, as well as advising clients on issues that they are facing.
Paul works with a number of key clients including Science Foundation Ireland, ESB Group, Flutter Entertainment plc (formerly Paddy Power Betfair plc), Enterprise Ireland, John Sisk & Son and Henkel.
He also holds a BA in English and History from the University of Limerick.
Paul Deane
Associate Director, Drury
Paul joined Drury in September 2016 and is a Client Manager on the Public Affairs team.
Paul advises clients on stakeholder engagement, reputation management,
corporate communications and media relations, working with a range of clients across the public and private sectors such as Paddy Power Betfair, Irish Cement, McGarrell Reilly, and Oberstown.
Paul worked at the heart of Government for a number of years, firstly as a Parliamentary Press Officer in Leinster House before becoming Deputy Communications Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, working in Government Buildings. Paul worked closely with senior Ministers, special advisers and senior officials across Government, and gained an excellent understanding of public sector and political environments.
Paul has also worked in the multinational and non-profit sectors, and worked in the Middle East for a number of years. Paul holds an Honours BL in Law and European Studies and a First Class Honours Masters in Politics from University College Cork.
Rachel Gallagher
Head of Digital, Drury
Rachel Gallagher has recently been appointed as Digital Director at Drury. Rachel is a fully qualified and senior marketer with over 15 years of integrated and digital marketing experience with global blue-chip companies and SMEs in Moscow, London and Ireland.
Rachel has experience in offering integrated digital solutions to clients in both B2B and B2C sectors internationally. Prior to joining Drury, Rachel ran her own business servicing SMEs in Ireland with the full range of digital marketing services. Her particular strength is in crafting digital strategy for clients to meet their objectives by offering best practice insights across a wide variety of digital channels in order to deliver measurable results.
Rachel recently qualified with a Masters in Digital Marketing & Analytics and is Google Adwords and Google Analytics qualified. She also lectures in the field of Ebusiness, Global Branding and Digital Marketing at Griffith College.
Robert Hanly
Director, Drury
Rob joined Drury in November 2015 having worked as a Corporate Affairs Consultant for MHP Communications in London and most recently as Public Affairs Manager for Newham Council, London.
Rob has managed the corporate communications and stakeholder engagement activities for clients in the technology, construction, housing, energy and sports sectors.
He currently works across a range of corporate clients including ESB, Globoforce and the Oesophageal Cancer Fund.
Rob holds an MA in Public Affairs and Political Communication from DIT and a BA in English and History from UCD.
Sinead Birt
Finance Director, Drury
Finance Director and company Secretary, Sinead joined Drury in 2007.
Sinead has 18 years experience in finance, and is responsible for the financial and commercial management of all aspects of the business in addition to all governance and company secretarial duties. Alongside her core role, Sinead manages the support services of the business including IT and HR.
Sinead’s attention to detail and great understanding of the role of communications in business make her a valued support to our clients as well as guaranteeing the excellent financial performance of Drury. Prior to joining Drury, Sinead held finance positions in the banking and energy sectors in Ireland.
Sinead holds a BSc in Finance from Queens University Belfast, is ACCA qualified and a fellow member of the ACCA.
Vanessa Regan
Operations Manager, Drury
Vanessa Regan joined Drury as Operations Manager in October 2018.
Vanessa most recently worked for Deloitte and Aer Rianta International. Prior to this she spent ten years managing the Chief Executive’s Office at Bank of Scotland (Ireland).
Vanessa spent three years studying Management at National College of Ireland part-time and is currently half-way through a Commerce degree at UCD’s Quinn School of Business.
When she is not working or studying, Vanessa plays tennis competitively and loves it, especially when she wins!