Melanie O’Reilly appointed Honorary Consul of France for Wexford

Chamber member Melanie O’Reilly has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of France in Wexford. This new role was bestowed on Melanie at a special event in July to also bid farewell to the French Ambassador, H.E. Mr Vincent Guerend.  

Hosted by Wexford Normandy Cultural Association (WNCA), the farewell event in Wexford Arts Centre was attended by elected representatives of Wexford County Council and County Wexford Chamber President, Lorcan Kinsella.

With the Ambassador leaving Ireland for a new post in Europe, distinguished guests invited by both the French Embassy of Ireland and WNCA gathered to mark the occasion.  

Building Wexford-Normandy links 

WNCA President Maura Bell warmly introduced the Ambassador and thanked him for his continued friendship and many visits to Wexford during his time in Ireland. These visits strengthened Franco-Ireland relations and particularly Wexford-Normandy links.

The Ambassador said he was delighted to be back in Wexford and to be announcing the fourth French honorary consul in Ireland, and the first ever in Wexford! He then presented Melanie with the Certificate of appointment signed by him “Au nom du President de la Republique francaise / In the name of the President of the French Republic”. Ambassador Guerend commented that the relations between the South East and France are strong and will now be even stronger.

Melanie O’Reilly: Will build links between South East and France

In response, Melanie expressed how immensely honoured she was to have been chosen to be French Honorary Consul and extended her sincere gratitude to the Ambassador. She said she intends to bring all her skills and experience to bear on this important role to serve and support French citizens in Wexford and the South East area.

She will also serve as a representative of the Embassy of France to local authorities, local businesses and organisations such as County Wexford Chamber, as well as local community groups. She will work with them “to promote cultural, business, economic, heritage, education, tourism and maritime links between France and the South East region”.