Monday 7 December 2015

Accredited Genealogists Ireland elects new president

Steven Smyrl welcomes Máire Mac Conghail
At its recent Annual General Meeting, Accredited Genealogists Ireland (formerly the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland) elected Máire Mac Conghail as its new president, in place of outgoing president, Steven Smyrl.

Steven, who had completed a maximum three-year term, welcomed Máire as his successor and as the Association’s eighth president. He said: “Over its near thirty years existence, AGI can count among its members some of Ireland’s foremost genealogists. They have been involved in research uncovering the long forgotten family connections of celebrities, politicians and public figures, both in Ireland and overseas.

"Many have gone on to appear on TV and radio themselves, sharing their knowledge and expertise, becoming the instantly recognisable face of Irish genealogy. The Association itself has throughout its existence been to the fore in setting standards, bringing focus and stimulating debate in Irish genealogy; providing insight and answers to those setting government and archival policy.

“Máire, a native Irish speaker, is widely known in genealogy and many other academic circles. She has served on the Board of the National Library of Ireland and is a current member of both the National Archives Advisory Council and the Irish Manuscripts Commission. I know that she will serve AGI well in the office of president.”

At the AGM, members also elected the following officers to serve on the Council for 2016:

Vice-President: Joan Sharkey;

Honorary Secretary: Anne-Marie Smith;

Honorary Treasurer: Sandra Doble.

In addition, the following six were elected as ordinary members of Council: Robert C. Davison, Paul Gorry, John Grenham, Nicola Morris, Steven C. Smyrl and Michael Walsh.