Farewell event to mark the departure of former ESB Chairman Tadhg O'Donoghue

An event to mark the departure of Tadhg O'Donoghue from the Board of ESB took place on Thursday, February 28th. Many tributes were paid to the outgoing Chairman who led the company for the last seven years. Speaking at the event, Chief Executive, Padraig McManus described Tadhg as, 'An outstanding Chairman of ESB who provided leadership to the Board and support to both himself and the whole management team during his term in office'.

A native of Valentia Island, Tadhg O'Donoghue brought a rich and varied background to ESB. After rapid promotion in the Revenue Commissioners Tadhg joined what is now PwC and became Senior Tax Partner and a driver of the firm's business in Ireland and abroad, particularly in the US. He was Chairman and a member of a number of major Irish companies. He was President of the American Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. In 2007, he was honoured by being selected as Kerryman of the Year.

All this experience, achievement and character, Tadhg brought to ESB. While at the helm of ESB he drove the company to meet ambitious strategic objectives including the renewal of our networks; the modernisation of our generation portfolio; investment abroad to compensate for regulatory restraints at home; a massive programme of change in partnership with employees and unions together with market opening and a single market on the island.

"In all of these projects Tadhg has been a dynamic and supportive Chairman for ESB," said the Chief Executive. "He is leaving the company stronger and better than he found it."

Joining Tadhg on the night were his wife Eilis, children and extended family and friends. The event was also attended by David Doyle, Secretary General of the Department of Finance while the new ESB Chairman, Lochlann Quinn, conveyed a warm message Energy Minister, Eamon Ryam and made a presentation to Tadhg on behalf of ESB. David Beatty, Chairman of ESOT also made a presentation to Tadhg on behalf of the Employee Share Trust. We wish Tadhg and Eilis health and happiness for the years ahead.