Our Board
We are the largest independent conservation organisation in Ireland. The primary objective of BirdWatch Ireland is the protection of wild birds and their habitats in Ireland. Governance of BirdWatch Ireland is overseen by our Board:
Jim Fitzharris
Chairperson
Based in Dublin, Jim has been a keen birdwatcher since his teens. He has served on several BirdWatch Ireland committees in the past, including a long tenure on the Irish Rare Birds Committee. With a degree in Mathematics and a Masters in Statistics, Jim worked in both the public and private sectors and has extensive experience in corporate governance. Married with two sons, his other interests include wildflowers and wildlife generally. Jim also serves on the board of the Smurfit Kappa Foundation.
Jonathan Taylor
Secretary
Conor O'Keeffe
Board Member
A keen birdwatcher in his youth, Conor's wildlife interest was rekindled by a 2009 move to the countryside. It prompted him to get involved with the Cork Branch of BirdWatch Ireland, where he has held various committee positions and now serves as Chairman. A well-known figure in the motor trade in North Cork, he also serves as an executive director on the board of Cavanagh’s of Fermoy, for whom he has worked all of his adult life.
Enda Lee
Board Member
Enda, who lives in Lucan, Co. Dublin, has been a member of BirdWatch Ireland for over 30 years. He has also served as a Branch Chairman and a member of the BirdWatch Ireland Council (the precursor to the Board). He worked in Finance, and later IT, with the Order of St John of God prior to his retirement. He has three children and six grandchildren, and he has a keen interest in wildlife photography.
Governance Committees
The Governance Committees assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to BirdWatch Ireland to provide good corporate governance.
