Ever wondered who the amazing minds are behind the Irish Ethical Celebrant Society? Well, wonder no more! While we don’t wear capes (unless it’s for a fabulous ceremony, of course!) Our committee is full of passionate people dedicated to all things celebrancy, and keeping our little corner of the world wonderfully organised. Grab a cuppa and get ready to meet the brilliant individuals who make it all happen!
Maria – Chairperson
You may have read our previous blog and met Maria, a warm and dedicated individual who serves as the chairperson of the IECS. Beyond her leadership role, Maria is also a deeply compassionate life celebrant. She’s proud to be part of this inclusive community of celebrants, all committed to crafting meaningful ceremonies. While Maria joyfully officiates all types of celebrations, her particular passion lies in creating personalised celebration of life (funeral) ceremonies. She believes in honoring lives with dignity and grace, helping families navigate grief while celebrating the unique journey of their loved ones.
Marion – Vice Chairperson
We’re thrilled to introduce Marian, the Vice Chair of the IECS and a vital member of our committee! Based in Cork, Marian is a passionate celebrant who designs and delivers bespoke and personalised ceremonies for all of life’s celebrations. She’s also a registered solemniser, authorised to officiate legal weddings in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Marian is dedicated to crafting unique and memorable ceremonies that reflect your values, ideas, and beliefs, and she’s available to conduct ceremonies in both English and Irish, or even bilingually.
Tricia – Secretary
Say hello to Tricia, our wonderful IECS Secretary! It’s no surprise she’s our organisational wizard, given how passionately she approaches her celebrant work. Tricia has been a professional Celebrant since 2017, crafting and leading ceremonies that celebrate life’s most significant moments, from weddings and baby-namings to funerals. It’s a role she genuinely loves, which is probably why her accountant calls it a hobby! The diversity of people and their stories continually inspires her.
Having joined the IECS committee three years ago, she is now proud to serve as Secretary and her enthusiasm for celebrating life’s stories clearly extends to keeping our committee’s ducks in a row, making her an invaluable and much-loved part of the team.
Martina – Treasurer
Every organisation needs dedicated individuals, and for the IECS, that’s Martina, our amazing Treasurer. Martina trained in 2017 and primarily officiates weddings. While she expertly manages our finances, Martina brings so much more to the role with her incredible warmth and creative spirit. She has a truly infectious smile and a calming presence that brightens every interaction. Beyond the numbers, her innovative ideas and positive energy make her an invaluable part of our team. Originally from Longford, Martina has been a valued member for many years and we’re truly lucky to have such a wonderful person at the heart of IECS.
Odile – Social Media Team
A proud and passionate committee member since 2022, Odile brings her creative spark and boundless energy to our social media and everything she touches, especially when it comes to spreading the word about our Society. People-loving and positivity-injecting, her approach to both the Society and Celebrancy is as unique as she is: creating ceremonies which she leads with care and joy, leaving a lasting impression. Whether brainstorming a social campaign, supporting fellow celebrants, or crafting a ceremony that brings tears, laughter, and meaning in equal measure, her relentless optimism and dedication are a gift.
Sarah – Social Media Team
We are delighted to introduce to you – Sarah, a civil celebrant, death doula and committee member of the IECS. Sarah brings a calm, grounded presence to her work, creating space for honesty, love and meaning in life’s most tender moments. Whether guiding someone through end-of-life planning or leading a funeral or family ceremony, she honours each person’s story with deep care. Being part of the IECS allows her to connect with like-minded celebrants who value integrity, inclusivity and heart-led practice.
Jill – Working Group Liaison
We’re delighted to introduce Jill, a valued member of the IECS committee! Jill seamlessly blends her profound empathy with her innate creativity in her role as a celebrant, a journey she began following a successful career as a holistic practitioner. She is wholeheartedly passionate about crafting deeply personalised ceremonies that truly encapsulate each couple’s unique love story, firmly believing that love knows no bounds and deserves to be celebrated authentically, meaningfully, and without reservation.
Bernadette – Committee Member
Meet Bernadette, she has a background in healthcare and worked as a qualified Occupational Therapist for many years before moving into service and project management. Over the years she has amassed a significant skill set including functional analysis, creative problem solving, negotiating, coaching and mentoring. Bernadette has a particular interest in Ancient Irish History/Mythology where ceremony has always been the way to mark life events with family, friends and community. Working as an Independent Family Celebrant: Bernadette brings her creative skills together with her vast experience and love of working with people. Bernadette is the former chair of the IECS and remains committed to this organisation.
Fiona – Committee Member
Fiona is a truly friendly and energetic lady who brings immense joy to her work as a Celebrant in every ceremony. She absolutely adores meeting couples, hearing their unique stories, and getting to know them, all to craft the deeply personal ceremony they’ve always dreamed of. As a proud member of the IECS for several years, Fiona finds the group to be an incredibly supportive community, a sentiment she brings to her valued role on the committee.
