A Headford native and local Chartered Architectural Technologist, Michael O’Keeffe, played a key role in bringing the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) AGM and 60th Anniversary celebrations to Dublin recently.

Michael, who runs healycornelius design ltd. in Deerpark, Killarney, led the three-year effort that secured the international event for Ireland.
More than 250 delegates from across the globe attended the AGM and anniversary celebrations. The bid to host the milestone gathering began when Fáilte Ireland contacted Michael over three years ago during his term as Executive Board Trustee and Chair of CIAT Republic of Ireland. He immediately saw an opportunity for Ireland.
“While hailing from Headford, Killarney, I have been fully invested in my professional institute since joining in 2014 and, with the support of Fáilte Ireland and my Committee colleagues, was thrilled to bring its AGM and 60th Anniversary to Ireland,” he said.
The successful bid followed a competitive process supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events team. Dublin’s connectivity, capacity and cultural offering helped secure the event, which included student presentations at Technological University Dublin, a charity fundraiser at the Mont Hotel which raised over €1,500, the AGM at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, and a gala celebration in the Round Room at the Mansion House.
Reflecting on the weekend, Michael said: “As Chair, it was an honour to help bring my professional institute’s 60th Anniversary Celebration to Dublin. The support from all involved was incredible. To see delegates from around the world enjoying our hospitality made all the work worthwhile.”