We’re delighted to welcome a fantastic lineup of sporting talent to the panel, bringing together experience from the very top levels of GAA, rallying, motorcycle racing and rugby.

Darren Cave, former Ulster Rugby and Ireland national rugby union team center. Across a distinguished professional career, Darren earned over a decade of appearances at the highest level of the game and represented Ireland on the international stage.

Glenn Irwin, a multiple race winner in the British Superbike Championship and a familiar face on podiums at the North West 200. Glenn is widely recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s top superbike talents and brings valuable insight into life competing on factory-supported machinery at international level.

Callum Devine, Irish Tarmac Rally Championship champion and one of Ireland’s standout rally drivers. Known for his speed, precision and calm approach behind the wheel of his Hyundai Rally2 machinery, Callum represents the new generation of Irish motorsport competing at the highest level nationwide.

Neil McManus, one of the most influential players in the history of Antrim GAA. A prolific scorer and inspirational leader over many seasons, Neil has also enjoyed tremendous success at club level with Cushendall Shamrocks, earning widespread respect for his commitment, consistency and dedication to promoting hurling across the county.

Business Panel

Bridgene Keeley (nee McKeever) is the Director of Sales & Marketing at McKeever Hotels.

McKeever Hotels is a leading family-owned hospitality group with a proud heritage spanning over four decades. Founded by Eugene and Catherine McKeever, and joined by their daughter Bridgene Keeley (and son Eddie), the Group is now a portfolio of seven exceptional hotels across Northern Ireland and Donegal.

Bridgene has built her career entirely within McKeever Hotels, “an inmate since birth” she jokes, progressing from a housekeeper at 15 years old to Company Director at present. She plays a key role in continuing the family legacy, driving innovation, team development, and sustainability initiatives. Guided by the “We Do More” ethos, she helps deliver world-class hospitality. Since her Board appointment in 2015, Bridgene has led the expansion of McKeever Hotels, combining innovative strategy with goal-oriented leadership.

Bridgene Keeley (nee McKeever) is the Director of Sales & Marketing at McKeever Hotels.

McKeever Hotels is a leading family-owned hospitality group with a proud heritage spanning over four decades. Founded by Eugene and Catherine McKeever, and joined by their daughter Bridgene Keeley (and son Eddie), the Group is now a portfolio of seven exceptional hotels across Northern Ireland and Donegal. Bridgene has built her career entirely within McKeever Hotels, “an inmate since birth” she jokes, progressing from a housekeeper at 15 years old to Company Director at present. She plays a key role in continuing the family legacy, driving innovation, team development, and sustainability initiatives. Guided by the “We Do More” ethos, she helps deliver world-class hospitality. Since her Board appointment in 2015, Bridgene has led the expansion of McKeever Hotels, combining innovative strategy with goal-oriented leadership.

Jacqui is the CEO and Director of The Foundry Vault, the UK’s largest third‑party bonded facility dedicated to the maturation of Irish whiskey. From Coleraine, she leads a high‑integrity operation that combines rigorous regulatory compliance with advanced digital verification, fraud‑prevention systems, and industry‑leading audit controls.

Under her leadership, The Foundry Vault has become an unexpected powerhouse in the premium spirits sector — and a magnet for high‑net‑worth collectors, investors, and global whisky elites. The facility has even housed the cask behind The Emerald Isle, the world’s most expensive whisky at £2.8 million per bottle, underscoring the trust placed in Jacqui’s team and the scale of the operation she oversees.

Through exclusive, invitation‑only events, Jacqui hosts guests from around the world to the North Coast — individuals who typically move in circles far removed from Coleraine. These gatherings offer rare cask access, deep industry insight, and a level of hospitality that has redefined the region’s reputation within the luxury whiskey world.

Recognised for her clarity, decisiveness, and ability to make complex regulation accessible, Jacqui stands at the intersection of compliance, premium spirits, and regional economic transformation — proving that world‑class whiskey experiences can thrive far beyond the usual hotspots.

Founder of Triex, Mark brings extensive expertise in leading teams to deliver Renewable Energy, Data Centre, and Utility projects across the UK and Europe. Since founding the company eight years ago, Mark has scaled the business and built a high-performing team that aligns with Triex’s vision and values, playing a pivotal role in the company’s continued success. This year, Triex was also recognised in the Financial Times, FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies, highlighting it as one of the most rapidly expanding businesses across Europe.