Mayo's Pat O’Connor is reappointed chair of Charity Appeals Tribunal

A Mayo solicitor with a lengthy track record in charity and philanthropic governance has been reappointed as chairman and a member of the Charity Appeals Tribunal.

Pat O’Connor, a former president of the Law Society of Ireland and former Coroner for the District of Mayo, has been chair of the tribunal since it was first established in 2016.

Now, from September 1, he is to serve a further five years in that position.

His reinstatement has been rubber stamped by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development.

It falls within the minister’s power to appoint the tribunal (five persons) to hear appeals against decisions made by the Charities Regulator.

The tribunal is composed of legal and charity sector experts.

Mr. O’Connor, currently senior partner in the Swinford based law firm, P.O’Connor & Son, has enjoyed a wide portfolio of board experience.

A former member of the Irish Sports Council and the Press Council of Ireland, he currently serves as a board member for Hope House, Foxford, which provides treatment for alcohol, drugs and gambling dependencies.

He also holds directorships of the O’Dwyer Foundation, a philanthropic organisation which supports people with physical disabilities, and the Swinford based Brabazon Park Trust.