About us
The Bahrain Irish Society was founded in 1975 and is a charitable organization registered under the Ministry of Social Development. Each year, within the events we host we focus on a small charity to recieve a donation. We aim to help the smaller charities that we feel our contributions go along way.
Who are we?
The Bahrain Irish Society's committee works tirelessly to organise the best family events on the island. We strive to bring together the Irish community and their friends. The Committee host a range of skills and contacts which they bring together to make The Bahrain Irish Society very effective in planning and organising events.
Our aim
the aim of our society is to promote and celebrate Irish Culture. it is open to all those who would like to take part in sessions, brunches, family fun days and other festivities and activities.
Meet the team
Janet Craven - Chairperson
Having moved to Bahrain in April 2015, Janet has immersed herself in the Irish community in Bahrain. She took over the Chair in November 2015 with a view of carrying on the excellent work done by her predecessors. She is also an active member on the Arabian Celts GAA Club and plays with the ladies Intermediate team. Janet works for Baker Wilkins & Smith as a Senior Quantity Surveyor and loves the challenges the region brings. When not busy with the various societies, her time is fulfilled with Ironman training and her 8 yearr old daughter Sophie.
Gavin Lawlor - Vice Chairperson
Gavin has been living in Bahrain since 2002 and works in the Aviation Sector. He is the longest serving committee members on record as Gavin joined the Bahrain Irish Society Committee is 2004. He held the role of PRO until 2012 when he became Vice-chairman. Gavin is married and has three sons which keeps him really busy.
Eugene Kent - Treasurer
Eugene has been living in Bahrain since 2015. He works for RCSI Bahrain having previously worked for RCSI in Ireland for over 7 years. He was Treasurer of the RCSI Sports and Social Club from 2012 to 2014. In his college days in DCU, he also held various committee roles in the DCU Gymnastics & Trampoline Club and was a member of the DCU Clubs and Society Committee. His interests include cycling, socializing and Clash of Clans :-)
Clíona Farrelly - Secretary
Clíona has been living in Bahrain since July 2016 and currently works in real estate investments. Prior to living in Bahrain, she worked in event management for 7 years. Whilst in University, she was a member of the NUIM Gaisce and Fainne society. Her interests include GAA, socializing, travel and music.
Emily McKee - Membership Secretary
Emily grew up in the Middle East, predominantly Bahrain. After studying and working in the U.K for 10 years, Emily returned to Bahrain in 2014 where she is now a senior school Art teacher. Emily has served on the Bahrain Irish Society Committee (BIS) for two years. As well as organising social events for the Irish community and friends, she enjoys giving back to Bahrain by supporting the local charities.
Hilary Lantzos - Children Representative
Hilary Lantzos is living in Bahrain since 2011 and currently works in the administration team of Nadeen School. When she is not busy ferrying 3 children around the Island, she coaches the Junior Arabian Celts and volunteers for the Palm Association, a local charity. Her interests as a part of the BIS are family involvement in events and charities.
Joe Dalton - Entertainment Officer
Joe has lived in Bahrain since 2013 and works as a Water Engineer. Alongside that, he can be seen playing bass guitar in local Bahraini hard rock band Hot Laser. He can be seen playing bodhrán with local based traditional bands the O'Dwyers and the B-Side. He also enjoys the organizational aspect of music events and brings this enthusiasm to the Irish Society committee.
Kelly Stapleton - Public Relations Officer
Kelly was born and raised in Bahrain. She attended St. Christopher's school which she truly enjoyed. She studied in the South-East of Ireland in Galway for university. Currently working in the Royal Golf Club as the events manager, she enjoys being part of the Irish society as it makes her feel at home. She looks forward to organising future events with the Irish society in the coming year.
Áine Barron - Committee Member
Áine moved to Bahrain in August 2016 from Ireland with her fiancé and she is a Year 4 teacher in Multinational School, Bahrain. Áine is very excited to be a committee member this year and help support the society which made her feel so welcome and at home on the island. Áine has a great passion for Irish culture and language. In her spare time, she has been spotted on the Gaelic pitches a few times, and wedding planning!
