For over eight years, Solas Nua has been blessed to benefit from the invaluable experience and enthusiastic leadership of Paddy Meskell as our Board Co-Chair, Board Chair and Treasurer. At our recent Annual Meeting Paddy announced his retirement from the Solas Nua Board. His insightful authorship and stewardship of Solas Nua’s first strategic plan put the company on the path that resulted in the recent hiring of a full-time Executive Director and an Artistic Director of Theatre. His passion for contemporary Irish art and his thoughtful presentations placing it in the context of Ireland’s history has educated and informed thousands of film, literature, visual arts, music and theatre appreciators. His knowledge and support of Ireland’s poetry has resulted in wonderful joint readings and conversations between Irish and DC poets. His mellifluous spoken Irish, wit and ease have been essential to the public face of Solas Nua. Paddy and Darlene Meskell’s warm hospitality for visiting Irish artists is legendary.
While he is stepping down from the Board, Paddy will remain a treasured member of the Solas Nua family. He has agreed to serve as Solas Nua’s first Board Chair Emeritus. In this evolving role, he will continue from his outposts in Limerick and Mount Pleasant to be a champion of Solas Nua and the work of Ireland’s artists. Paddy is succeeded by Dennis Houlihan, President of Solas Nua.
Thanks, Paddy. You are a bright light on Irish arts.
Dennis Houlihan
Board Chair
