Mayo talk on halting and reversing decline of Ireland’s natural heritage

A talk - 'Halting and reversing the decline of Ireland’s natural heritage' - by Micheál Ó Briain takes place this evening (Tuesday, January 27) at 6.30 p.m. in the Lannagh Suite, Ellison Hotel, Castlebar (F23 V279).

The Mayo branch of BirdWatch Ireland is delighted to host this talk by Micheál Ó Briain, who is well known from his regular posts of photos of rare birds on his beloved Achill, where he has retired following his life’s work in nature and nature conservation internationally.

Attendees are asked to arrive early, with free parking in the Ellison (inform reception of your vehicle registration number).

Everyone is welcome. There is no charge but donations to the Mayo branch will be gratefully received.

Dr. Micheál Ó Briain is passionate about nature and has been actively engaged in its conservation since his youth. For his studies of the birdlife of Rogerstown Estuary in County Dublin he was awarded the Young Scientist of the Year in 1977.

Micheál carried out the first detailed studies of Irish wintering Brent Geese for his PhD at University College Dublin, which also involved three expeditions to the Canadian High Arctic. He then worked for the Irish Wildbird Conservancy (now BirdWatch Ireland), initially as its first Conservation Officer, then as National Director.

He spent almost 30 years working for the European Commission on EU and international nature and biodiversity policies.

In September 2022 he was honoured to receive BirdLife International’s President’s Medal, its highest award, in recognition of his contribution to bird conservation in Europe.

Since retiring, Micheál continues to support initiatives for the conservation and restoration of nature at EU, national and local levels.

Micheál has a long term interest in the birds and other wildlife of Achill Island where he has been largely based since returning to live in Ireland. He is actively supporting the LIFEonMachair project actions for the recovery of breeding Lapwing and Dunlin on Achill.

Through his wildlife photography, Micheál aims to celebrate, promote awareness of and appreciation of our natural heritage.