Tag Archive for: Raymond Hegarty

IJA Chairperson Attends the 2026 JET Programme Pre-departure Orientation and Farewell Reception

/in /by
At the end of June, Raymond Hegarty, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association, was delighted to attend the 2026 JET Programme Ireland Pre-departure Orientation and Farewell Reception, kindly hosted by Ambassador Manabu Miyagawa and the Embassy of Japan in Ireland.
.
Raymond Hegarty met with this year’s JET participants and wished them well as they prepare to embark on an exciting new chapter in Japan.
.
.
.
.
The Ireland Japan Association extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to all 38 JET Programme participants. We hope your time in Japan will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience, offering opportunities to grow personally and professionally while discovering the richness of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
.
We look forward to welcoming you to the IJA community when you return to Ireland!
.
.
.
.
.
Photos: Embassy of Japan in Ireland
.
.
.

Isabelle Emily Bates Honoured at the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship Award Ceremony

/in /by
On 25th June, the Ireland Japan Association was delighted to celebrate Isabelle Emily Bates and her outstanding achievements at the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship Award Ceremony in Dublin.
.
.

Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, and Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson

.
.
The ceremony opened with welcome words from Peter Vambeck, Director of Investment at Fitzwilliam Capital, and Raymond Hegarty, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association.
.
.

Welcome words by Peter Vambeck, Director of Investment, Fitzwilliam Capital

.
.
We were honoured to welcome H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Mrs Miyagawa, together with members of the Ushioda family and other guests, who joined us in celebrating this special occasion.
.
.

Speech by H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

.
.
We wish Isabelle every success as she prepares to begin the next chapter of her journey at Rikkyo University, Tokyo, and hope that her time in Japan will be an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
.
Our sincere thanks go to Paula Kelly, Ushioda Scholarship Coordinator, for all of her dedication and support in coordinating this year’s scholarship programme and to our Corporate Member, Fitzwilliam Capital, for kindly hosting the award ceremony.
.
.

From L-R: Sean Bates, Cian Ushioda, Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Georgina Gaul

.

Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, with her parents, Sean Bates and Georgina Gaul

.

Front: Paula Kelly, Coordinator of the Ushioda Scholarship and Mrs Miyagawa at the event with other guests

.

Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

.

L-R: Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson, Helen Ryan, Richard Ryan, Mrs. Miyagawa and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

.
.
Photos: IJA and Embassy of Japan in Ireland
.
.
.

IJA Conversation Groups Kick-Off Meetup in Dublin

/in /by
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the IJA Conversation Groups Kick-Off Meetup on Sunday, 23rd May in Dublin! It was wonderful to see such strong support and to meet so many of you in person.
.
.
.
.
We would also like to thank Richard Neville, JET Programme Ireland Coordinator at the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, and Raymond Hegarty, IJA Vice Chairperson, who joined us on the day.
.
We were impressed by the enthusiasm and interest in practising Japanese and English, and we very much look forward to continuing these conversations online with you all at our IJA Conversation Groups.
.
Special thanks go to our Council members, Azumi Uchitani and Yuka Nagano, for organising this event, as well as to the wonderful hosts at the Chester Beatty Library and The Silk Road Cafe for their warm hospitality.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

AI and the Digital Economy | Panel Discussion, Dublin

/in /by

On 25 March, the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, in cooperation with the Ireland Japan Association, hosted a panel discussion on AI and the Digital Economy at the Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between Ireland and Japan in shaping the future of AI.

 

Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, noted: ‘AI has been high on the agenda in the world. Tonight’s gathering is our expression to share such sense of urgency with friends and colleagues from business and government of Ireland and Japan, two most important like-minded countries.’

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all guest speakers, moderator, and participants at the event whose insights and engagement made the discussion exciting and thought-provoking.

Our special thanks to:
Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland
John Lonsdale, CEO, CeADAR Ireland
Brian Mac Namee, University College Dublin
Richard Jones, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Ireland
Colin M. Melody, Deloitte Ireland
Raymond J. Hegarty, Vice Chairperson, Ireland Japan Association (Moderator)

 

 

Opening Remarks by Ambassador Miyagawa

“On behalf of the co-hosts, Ireland Japan Association and the Embassy of Japan, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the participants, in particular, the panelists:

– Mr. Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland,
– Dr. John Lonsdale, CEO, Center for Applied AI and Data Analytics Research,
– Dr. Brian Mac Namee, University College Dublin,
– Mr. Richard Jones, Amazon Web Services Ireland,
– Mr. Colin Melody, Deloitte Ireland, and

Mr. Raymond Hegarty, Ireland Japan Association, Moderator for tonight’s event.

Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate my sincere congratulations to Ms. Catherine Grennel-Whyte, Chairperson of the IJA, Chairperson-designate Mr. Neil Cowhey and its members for the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for the IJA’s huge contribution to the development of our bilateral relations.

AI has been high on the agenda in the world. For companies, AI would affect not only costs and benefits, but also corporate governance and the whole image of the company. In diplomacy, AI has not only reformed our day-to-day work, but also deepened our sense of urgency that there should be international rules which regulate the use of AI in appropriate ways. And in the military and security spheres, AI has dramatically changed strategies and how we both fight and prevent wars.
Given the significance of AI, the Government of Japan has established the AI Strategic Headquarters led by the Prime Minister, to proactively deal with AI issues in 2025. Tonight’s gathering is our expression to share such sense of urgency with friends and colleagues from business and government of Ireland and Japan, two most important like-minded countries.
I do look forward to fruitful discussions among ourselves tonight.”

 

Photos: Embassy of Japan in Ireland

Bank of Ireland Team Wins the IJA Ishikawa Golf Cup 2025

/in /by

The Ireland Japan Association’s Annual Golf Outing 2025 took place on Thursday, 25th September at the beautiful Foxrock Golf Club, Dublin, bringing together IJA members and friends for a fantastic day of golf, networking and celebration.

.

We are delighted to congratulate the Bank of Ireland team, winners of the IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025! The Ishikawa Cup and first prize were presented to the winning team by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, and Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan.

.

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 winners from Bank of Ireland Team – Casey Steele and Philip Healy together with Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan

.

Winners – Bank of Ireland Team
Philip Healy
Casey Steele
Patrick O’Connor
Devon Burns

2nd Place – NTT Data Team
3rd Place – SuMi TRUST (SMT Fund) Team

Spot Prizes
Nearest the Pin – Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric
Longest Drive – Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric

.

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – 2nd place – NTT Data Team

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Nearest The Pin Spot Prize – Winner Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Longest Drive Spot Prize – Winner Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

.

A big thank you to all the teams – Bank of Ireland, Dillon Eustace, ElectroRoute, Mitsubishi Electric, NTT Data, and SuMi TRUST – for taking part and making this year’s tournament such a success.

.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful hosts at Foxrock Golf Club for their warm hospitality, and to the IJA Council members and event team, especially Neil Cowhey and Raymond Hegarty, for their commitment and support in organising this event.

.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s tournament!

.

A very special thank you to our tournament prize sponsors for their generous support! 

.

Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025

.

.

.

IJA Annual Dinner 2024: Celebrating the Irish-Japanese Community

/in /by
Ireland Japan Association’s Annual Dinner 2024, a significant event for the Irish-Japanese community, was held on May 17th at the Conrad Dublin hotel. Esteemed members of the Ireland Japan Association and distinguished guests, including key figures from government, business, academia, and the arts, gathered to celebrate the strong ties between Ireland and Japan.
.
The evening began with a Sake & Prosecco reception, creating an atmosphere of elegance and camaraderie. Master of Ceremonies Raymond Hegarty warmly welcomed attendees. Guests then enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal in the beautiful Ballroom, followed by a Prize Giving ceremony.
.

IJA Council Members with special guests: H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland, H.E. Ms. Leena Gardemeister, Ambassador of Finland to Ireland, and Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

.
H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland and IJA Patron, honoured the event with his presence and delivered an inspiring address.
.
Special guest Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, gave a memorable speech, sharing insights from his recent visit to Japan.

.

H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland.

.

Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

.
IJA Chairperson Catherine Grennell-Whyte highlighted the association’s mission and recent achievements. She noted the rapid growth and expansion of the association, marked by a variety of events and activities throughout the year and an increasing number of individual and corporate members.
.
“We are committed to fostering education, cultural exchange, and business opportunities between Ireland and Japan,” said Catherine Grennell-Whyte. “Our goal is to build a vibrant community offering real benefits and opportunities through close collaborations, cultural appreciation, innovative business discussions, and invaluable networking.”
.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

 
.
The IJA Annual Dinner 2024 was a memorable night, celebrating the enduring bond between Ireland and Japan.
.

IJA Annual Dinner 2024 Prosecco & Sake Reception at The Conrad, Dublin.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The IJA Council expresses its gratitude to the Dublin School for Japanese Children for crafting and presenting exquisite Japanese origami decorations to our dinner guests. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the event team at Conrad Dublin for their exceptional hospitality and service during our event. We also want to extend our thanks to Raymond Hegarty, Master of Ceremonies, and our dedicated event team for their invaluable time, support, and contributions in making this year’s event a resounding success.

.

The IJA Council extends gratitude to the prize sponsors for their ongoing support and generous contributions: Dillon Eustace, Finnair, Japan Rugby and Football Union, KWE Ireland, Oomi Travel, Mitsubishi Electric, NTT Data, PwC Ireland, and SuMi TRUST.
.
.

Photo Gallery | IJA Annual Dinner 2024

Photos: Stephen Cullen, K9 Studio

.

(If you were a guest at the IJA Annual Dinner 2024 and would like to receive an access to full photo gallery from the night, please email your request to: info@ija.ie)

.

Business Briefing ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work’

/in /by
On Thursday, 2nd May, the IJA invited members to join the business breakfast briefing on ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work’. This event was organised in collaboration with the IJA corporate member Cpl and Cpl’s Future of Work Institute.
.
.

From L-R: Elysia Hegarty, Associate Director at Cpl’s Future of Work Institute, Cormac Reid, Program Manager, ElectroRoute, H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Managing Director, ATTS, Raymond Hegarty, CEO, IntaVal and Ferenc Gál, Digital Marketing Director, Cpl.

.
.
H.E. Mr Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, addressed event participants with a welcome speech followed by a panel discussion led by Elysia Hegarty, Associate Director at Cpl’s Future of Work Institute.
.
Special thanks go to our panel of guest speakers – Raymond Hegarty (CEO, IntaVal), Catherine Grennell-Whyte (Managing Director, ATTS), Cormac Reid (Program Manager, ElectroRoute) and Ferenc Gál (Digital Marketing Director, Cpl) – for sharing their valuable insights and offering a glimpse into the world of AI and its inevitable impact on businesses and our professional lives right now and in the future.
.
Panel discussed how Artificial Intelligence technologies can fundamentally revolutionise our workplaces and propel collaboration to new heights, fostering exciting innovations, driving new efficiencies, and enabling sustainable transformations. Thought-provoking details were also discussed about challenges we might face in the future, and how AI may reshape our lives in unexpected and potentially frightening ways.
.
We thank everyone who joined us in person and remotely for this very exciting and insightful discussion.
.
This event was organised in cooperation with:
.
 
.
.

Interview with Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson | 2022 Ireland Report for The Japan Times

/in /by
We are delighted and very proud that the 2022 Ireland Report for The Japan Times features an interview with Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson. You can read the full interview with Raymond Hegarty here: https://sms-bridges.com/encouraging-connections/
Founded in 1897, The Japan Times is Japan’s largest and oldest English-language daily newspaper with headquarters in Tokyo.
.
.

This interview was prepared in cooperation with media specialists SMS Bridges. Bridges is a digital business and lifestyle magazine for high-level Japanese executives, global business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs.

.
.

IJA Bounenkai End of Year Party 2021 | Photo Gallery

/in /by

On 2nd December the IJA members, friends, and supporters came together to celebrate and enjoy one of the most exciting cultural events and celebrations of the year – IJA Bounenkai End of Year Party with Sake reception and delicious Japanese dinner taking place at Yamamori Sushi, Dublin.

Eddie Hughes, IJA Council, welcomed everyone to the event and shared a message from Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson:

Bounenkai – the Japanese traditional year end party is a way to close off the year with friends and colleagues and get ready to welcome a new year. The word Bounenkai literally means ‘a gathering to forget the year’ – to put the troubles of the year behind you and face the future.

This echoes traditional celebrations dating back to 16th century Japan, when the Samurai lords would gather in late December for a day of cultural activities such as writing and reciting poetry. In the evening they would celebrate with a large banquet.

We do not expect much poetry to be written tonight, but we do hope that you enjoy each other’s company at the sake reception and during the meal.

Thank you for supporting the IJA this year. I wish you all the best for this evening and for the end of the year. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2022. – Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson

Colly Murray, RetroVino

Event guests had a wonderful opportunity to taste traditional Japanese Sake drinks, including premium Junmai Sake, accompanied by a short presentation on Sake history and culture by Colly Murray, RetroVino followed by a delicious dinner at Yamamori Sushi restaurant.
We would like to thank everyone  – our individual and corporate members as well as friends and supporters who attended this event. We appreciate your continued support to the IJA throughout this year.
A very big thanks goes to Colly Murray, RetroVino, for sharing his passion and knowledge about Japanese Sake, to Graham Ryan and his team, Yamamori Restaurants, for hosting our event and making sure everyone had the best time, and last but not least – to Eddie Hughes, IJA Council, for his time, support and help to make this event such a great success.
Note: Please note that during this event the IJA followed and complied with the health and safety recommendations and restaurant policy.
Photos: Eddie Hughes

Tag Archive for: Raymond Hegarty

Nothing Found

Sorry, no posts matched your criteria