Our Team

Mary is the Chief Executive Officer of the PorterShed and was the first person to join the team after the founding members. As an experienced entrepreneur, US market entry specialist, and start-up amplifier, she is well-equipped to offer advice and connect people who work well together. Mary is one of the most recognisable people in the Galway ecosystem and she is all about putting founders first.

PorterShed’s Office Manager Aoife joined the PoterShed team in 2018, and she has been at the centre of all operations ever since. Aoife wears many hats in her role at the PorterShed and she is one of the first faces visitors see when they come through the doors – at either of our locations. From accounting, to event management, to producing TikToks, she is across so many areas of what we do.

As the PorterShed’s Programme Manager, Rosemary works closely with start-ups and founders to foster innovation and creativity. She is all about guiding startups and founders along their journey through all sorts of informative and practical programmes. She works very closely with the NDRC to plan and deliver programmes such as Founder Weekend, Pre-Accelerators, and more.

Nigel Moran is a Community associate with a passion for cultivating a vibrant coworking community. Skilled in marketing, member relations, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Anthony is the PorterShed’s Community/Production Manager. By being constantly in tune with the PorterShed community, Anthony is able to help members experience what they love best about this co-working and innovation hub. Having started with the PorterShed in 2018, Anthony has built a rich understanding of the PorterShed community, whether he is connecting startups, offering his production skills in the podcast studio, or helping craft great events.

An individual holding experience working with startups and a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I am passionate about creating and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem by bringing key stakeholders to build a robust startup community; I love hearing innovative ideas and working towards bringing them to life using design thinking and an iterative approach.

Mary is the Chief Executive Officer of the PorterShed and was the first person to join the team after the founding members. As an experienced entrepreneur, US market entry specialist, and start-up amplifier, she is well-equipped to offer advice and connect people who work well together. Mary is one of the most recognisable people in the Galway ecosystem and she is all about putting founders first.

Maurice is the chairperson of the GCID/PorterShed board. A former central banker and investment banker, Maurice is an experienced professional with decades’ experience in the entrepreneurship arena, and he is currently a partner with Rocky Shore Consulting.

John is an educator (Professor of Electronics at University of Galway), engineer, and serial entrepreneur (as co-founder of boards.ie, adverts.ie, and StreamGlider). As one of the Directors and co-founders of the GCID/PorterShed, John is very involved in the work the PorterShed does with start-ups.

Niamh Costello is a director on the GCID/PorterShed board. As the CEO of the Creative Enterprise West (CREW), Niamh is focused on ensuring that the next generation of creative entrepreneurs have access to the funding and guidance they need to succeed.

Currently the Director Of Strategic Partnerships for Digital Assets at Citi Bank, Dave is also a co-founder and Director at the GCID/PorterShed. As a serial entrepreneur, Dave has long been in the start-up/tech/fintech game. He is also know for his role as founder at 36tdata.

Evin is a Director on the GCID/PorterShed board. As head of AIB Galway/Mayo, he leads over 200 colleagues in delivering the well-managed growth of a multi-faceted banking operation. Evin has 30 years of banking experience ranging from retail through commercial and corporate banking.

As the CEO of the Galway Chamber, Kenny has his finger on the pulse of so many Galway businesses across the city and county. His 20 years of retail banking experience making him an invaluable asset on the GCID/PorterShed board, especially when combined with his previous role as regional engagement manager for AIB in Galway.

Conor O’ Dowd is also a director on the GCID/PorterShed board. Conor also has an important role as the CEO of the Port of Galway. Prior to joining the Port, Conor was an Audit Director at KPMG. Specific areas of expertise include audit, financial reporting, accounting, governance, and financial planning.