'Trailblazer': First female CEO of Shannon Airport Group awarded Clare Person of the Year

Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group and a board member of Limerick Chamber of Commerce, has been named Clare Person of the Year for 2025. 

The Lissycasey native is being recognised for her outstanding leadership in Irish aviation and regional development. As the first female CEO of Shannon Airport, Ms Considine has steered the organisation through both major challenges and renewed growth, ensuring its long-term sustainability and strategic importance to the West of Ireland.

Under her guidance, Shannon has become more than an airport—it has become a vital economic driver for the businesswoman's native county and mid-west region. 

“Her commitment to balanced regional development, innovation and community partnership has made her a trailblazer in her field and a proud ambassador for County Clare,” the Clare Association stated.  

Mary Considine was appointed CEO of the Shannon Airport Group in October 2019. In her previous role as airport director she led the successful separation of Shannon Airport from DAA. The Clare woman is a qualified accountant and has extensive experience in the areas of aviation, commercial and finance, having previously held a number of senior positions with the company.

READ MORE: Shannon Airport welcomes new state-of-the-art facility for people with complex care needs

The Clare Association has also named Professor Michael Kerin, a native of Kilmamona, as its Hall of Fame winner for 2025. He is widely known for his extraordinary career in cancer surgery, research and education.

Professor Kerin is Chair of Surgery at the University of Galway, Clinical Director of the Saolta Cancer Academic Network and Vice-President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. In 2024, he was conferred with the Doctor of Science (DSc) by the National University of Ireland for his published research on breast cancer.

As Research Director of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and a leader at the Lambe Institute for Translational Science, Professor Kerin has contributed to over 450 peer-reviewed papers, mentored more than 50 MD and PhD students and helped shape cancer care policy nationally and internationally.

“This year’s awardees embody the very best of Clare—vision, leadership, service and excellence,” said Ciarán O Connell, Chairperson of the Clare Association.

“We are incredibly proud to honour Mary and Michael and look forward to welcoming guests and their supporters from near and far to celebrate with us at the awards dinner in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon on September 6 next," they added. 

The Clare Association Dublin is a voluntary organisation celebrating Clare heritage and supporting charitable, cultural and community initiatives for decades. Each year, it recognises those who carry forward the spirit, values and reputation of the Banner County in outstanding ways.