About Dundalk Chamber of Commerce

As one largest business networks in Northeast, Dundalk Chamber has been serving Dundalk and the North Louth business community for over 130 years.  We represent over 250 member companies who in turn represent over 20,000 employees.

Dundalk Chamber is the business voice for the Northeast Region, enabling commercial activity to develop and flourish within the region. Supporting regional development since 1892 and continues to assist businesses and our community to prosper. We are committed to making Dundalk the leading location for people to do business, to invest and to live.

Our chamber activities include influencing decisions and lobbying on behalf of businesses, providing opportunities for business promotion and networking. Our management and councils’ active participation in forums and joint committees with local authorities, development agencies, and neighbouring Chambers ensures that key business issues are represented and integrated into regional decision-making processes.

Dundalk Chamber is affiliated to Chambers Ireland and through the Chamber Network Pledge is unified with the nationwide Chambers Ireland network in striving towards the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Dundalk Chamber is here to create, support, maintain and promote a positive environment for businesses in Dundalk and the Region. We are committed to stimulating investment, sustaining economic growth and enhancing business opportunities ‘to make Dundalk the best place to live and work’.

Meet the Team

Hanna McDonnell
Hanna McDonnellPresident

Hanna McDonnell is a Fractional CMO with over two decades of experience spanning market intelligence, corporate communications, and strategic marketing across Ireland, Sweden, and beyond. Her career includes senior roles at Boliden, one of Europe’s leading mining and metals companies, where she progressed from Market Intelligence Analyst to Communications Manager, before moving into content marketing and consultancy.  Most recently, she has built her own practice helping small and medium businesses attract clients through clear positioning and impactful marketing strategies.

As President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Hanna brings this breadth of international and commercial expertise to champion Dundalk’s business community and drive regional growth.

John McGahon
John McGahonChamber CEO

John was appointed as CEO of Dundalk Chamber in June 2025.

Prior to that, he served on Louth County Council from 2014 to 2020, he was twice elected Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District in 2017 and 2019.

Upon his election to Seanad Éireann in 2020, John was appointed as the Government Spokesperson on Climate Action by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

He was appointed to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement Committee.
John holds a BA from University College Dublin in History and Politics.

Joanne Lavelle
Joanne LavelleVice President
Thomas McDonagh
Thomas McDonaghTreasurer

Thomas is Treasurer and Board Member of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, bringing strong financial, governance and commercial experience to the role. He is also promoter for the Dundalk Chamber Skillnet.

As Treasurer, he supports the Chamber’s financial oversight, budgeting and reporting, helping ensure the organisation remains well governed and focused on delivering value for its members.

Thomas is committed to promoting Dundalk as a strong place to do business, invest, work and live.
A Director with UHY Farrelly Dawe White Limited, Thomas specialises in financial reporting and audit for scaling Irish and international businesses.

Paddy Malone
Paddy MalonePRO
Pat McCormick
Pat McCormickBoard Member
Francis Murphy
Francis MurphyBoard Member
Brenda McGeeney
Brenda McGeeneyOffice Manager

With over 26 years of experience at Dundalk Chamber, Brenda is our Office Manager, supporting the business community in Dundalk and the surrounding region. Her role includes organising conferences, seminars, breakfast briefings, and networking events, as well as liaising with members on services such as the Shop Local Gift Voucher Scheme and Certificates of Origin.

For more than 14 years, Brenda has been an Adviser with the Cross Border Partnership Employment Services, supporting cross-border workers and employers. She also administers Chamber Council meetings and supports the Louth Tourism Networking Committee helping to strengthen business connections and promote tourism and regional growth.

Karolina Kavaliauskiene
Karolina KavaliauskieneFinance Manager

Karolina joined the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in 2013 and has since played a key role in the organisation’s financial operations, with primary responsibility for accounts management. She is a part-qualified accountant who has successfully completed the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills examinations, demonstrating a strong foundation in accounting and finance.

In 2024, Karolina expanded her role by joining the Dundalk Chamber Skillnet team as a Skillnet Network Training Co-ordinator. In this position, she supports the development and delivery of training initiatives, helping businesses and individuals access valuable learning and professional development opportunities.

Kim Hearty
Kim HeartyMarketing & Administration

Kim has been a member of the Dundalk Chamber team for over 26 years. Throughout her time, she has worked in several key roles from accounts administrator to taking over the role of Webmaster in 2024, overseeing the development and maintenance of the organisation’s online presence.

As part of the Chamber team, she is also an administrator for the Chamber’s Export Services, with responsibility for Certificates of Origin and export documentation.

She is an active member of the Dundalk’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Organising Committee and serves on the Board of the Redeemer Family Resource Centre.