Former Presidents, Tree Council of Ireland

Dr. Christy Boylan is one of Ireland’s most respected figures in landscape architecture, urban parks management, and horticultural education. A native of Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, Christy began his horticultural career at an agricultural college before training at the National Botanic Gardens, where he earned the National Diploma in Horticulture in 1966. He graduated from University College Dublin in 1971 with a B.Agr.Sc. (Horticulture), later advancing his studies in the United States at Michigan State University, where he earned both an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Horticulture, and Parks & Recreation Management. In 2003, he added an MBA from Dublin City University to his extensive academic credentials. Upon returning to Ireland in 1975, Christy joined the Dublin Corporation Parks Department (now Dublin City Council) as a Senior Executive Landscape Architect, and in 1993, he moved to South Dublin County Council to lead the newly established Parks & Landscape Services Department. Christy has played a prominent role in national and international professional organisations. He was a founder member and the first President of the Tree Council of Ireland (1985–1990), a Fellow and former President of the Irish Landscape Institute and has held multiple senior roles in global organisations such as IFPRA (International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration) and World Urban Parks. He served as World Commissioner for Ireland, Chair of IFPRA Europe (2006–2009), Vice-President on the IFPRA World Executive, and currently acts as Chair of the World Parks Academy and Secretary for World Urban Parks, Europe Region. Since retiring from local government in 2007, Christy has worked as a landscape consultant and is a part-time lecturer in Horticulture, Parks & Gardens, and Green Infrastructure at Technological University Dublin (TUD). He also serves as an adjudicator for Ireland’s National Tidy Towns Competition and Entente Florale Europe. Christy has presented extensively on park management across Europe, the USA, Asia, and South Africa. He co-developed the World Parks Academy in partnership with Professor Richard Hendrick (UNISA) and Steve Wolter (Eppley Institute, Indiana University, USA). In recognition of his lifelong contribution to public parks and urban green space, Christy was awarded the inaugural Distinguished Individual Award by World Urban Parks in May 2015.

Dr. John A. McCullen is a distinguished Irish horticulturist, landscape historian, and former public parks administrator with over four decades of service in landscape conservation and historic park management. He graduated with first-class honours in horticulture from University College Dublin (UCD) in 1970 and went on to earn an M.Sc. in Landscape Ecology, Design and Maintenance from Wye College, London University. In 2007, John completed a PhD at Trinity College Dublin (History of Art Department), with a landmark thesis on the landscape history and management of the Phoenix Park from 1800 to 1880 - a topic that continues to define much of his scholarly and professional legacy. John retired in 2012 as Chief Park Superintendent with the Office of Public Works (OPW), having overseen the conservation and management of the Phoenix Park for nearly 25 years. During his tenure, he also played a central role in the restoration and preservation of many of Ireland’s most important historic parks and gardens. From 1990 to 1993, he served as President of the Tree Council of Ireland, where he promoted greater awareness of urban forestry and the cultural value of trees in the Irish landscape. He is the author of An Illustrated History of the Phoenix Park: Landscape and Management to 1880 (2009), and co-author of A Manual of Urban Trees (1982) with Richard Webb - an influential text in Irish arboriculture. His most recent publication, The Phoenix Park: An Illustrated History of its Landscape and Management 1880–1980, was published by the OPW and completes a comprehensive two-volume chronicle of the park’s evolution over nearly two centuries. Dr. McCullen continues to be recognised as one of Ireland’s foremost experts on historic landscapes, combining scientific horticultural training with historical insight to inform policy, preservation, and public understanding of Ireland’s green heritage.

Fergal Mulloy enjoyed a forty-two year career in Irish Forestry. He studied Forestry in UCD in the 1950s and, on graduation in 1957, he joined the Forest Service and served in a variety of locations and posts throughout Ireland in the decades that followed. His early days included forest inventory and teaching in the forestry school in Shelton Abbey, before it became an open prison. In 1967 he was appointed as the Forest Service’s first Wildlife Office. For several years he was its only Wildlife Officer and became closely associated with the scientific aspects of Wildlife Act of 1976. Following almost fourteen years on wildlife research and wildlife management, he became answerable for land acquisition for Ireland’s afforestation programme. In 1984 he was given the responsibility for Forest Research, which included International Forestry affairs. He served as chairman of several international committees, (e.g. COST (COoperation in Science and Technology) and was a board member of IUFRO (International Union of Forest Research Organisations). He was one of five professional Foresters who were retained by the Forest Service following the establishment of Coillte in 1989. Later COFORD (“COuncil for FOrest Research and Development”) was established on the UCD campus and he was appointed its Director in 1992. The main objective of COFORD was to link Forest Research with sustainable and improved forest practice in addition to publishing research results in a user - friendly format. Following his retirement in 1998, he was offered the post of interim Director of the European Forest Institute (EFI) in Finland where he lived until a new Director was appointed. Later he was elected the Institute’s Chairman. One of his main tasks, while in those positions, was to oversee, in association with the Finnish Department of Foreign Affairs, the legal processes associated with the Institute becoming an international organisation, which it eventually became following its ratification by the requisite number of counties. It now has a global reputation for scientific excellence, and its membership embraces thirty countries with branches in several European locations undertaking research topics relevant to that region. He was President of the Tree Council between 1993 and 1995 and in 2004 he received the RDS’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” to celebrate the centenary of Ireland’s involvement in State Forestry. He was made an honorary of the ‘Society of Irish Foresters’ in 2013. Later in his retirement, in conjunction with Gerhardt Gallagher, Raymond Keogh (a former teak expert from the FAO – Food and Agricultural Organisation) and others, he became involved in attempting to grow and manage teak plantations in Central America. With regional contacts difficult to establish and foster, the project (Teak 21) didn’t achieve anything substantial, and it was decided to wind up the committee. Fergal always maintained that he had the best and most satisfactory job in Irish Forestry and proudly maintains close links with former and current colleagues across forestry’s many disciplines.

John Mc Loughlin is a leading figure in Irish forestry, widely respected for his leadership, environmental advocacy, and commitment to public engagement. He currently serves as President of the Society of Irish Foresters, having previously held the role of Vice-President, and contributes as Business Editor of the Society’s professional journal. Over the course of his career, John held key roles within Coillte, Ireland’s national forestry agency, including serving as Chief Environmental Officer. In this capacity, he was instrumental in developing and implementing national environmental strategies for sustainable forest management. One of his most impactful initiatives was leading the People’s Millennium Forests Project - an ambitious public engagement campaign that promoted tree planting and environmental awareness across Ireland. From 1999 to 2002, John served as President of the Tree Council of Ireland, where he further championed public involvement in tree conservation and helped advance national awareness of the environmental, cultural, and recreational value of Ireland’s woodlands. A frequent speaker at forestry and environmental events, John regularly delivers lectures at the National Botanic Gardens during National Tree Week and other national forums. His talks often explore the intersection of forestry, heritage, and environmental policy, reinforcing forestry’s critical role in addressing contemporary ecological challenges. John’s leadership has extended internationally. He has led forestry study tours abroad, such as a 2010 delegation to Bavaria, and has represented the sector in national policymaking, including presentations to the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on topics such as afforestation and sustainable harvesting.

Dr. Dorothy Hayden B.Agr.Sc. (Hort), M.Agr.Sc., PhD, is an accomplished Irish arborist and horticulturist with extensive experience across the commercial, academic, and amenity sectors of horticulture. Dorothy spent the majority of her recent career as a lecturer with Teagasc at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, where she educated a generation of horticulturists in plant science, arboriculture, and sustainable landscape management. Her earlier roles included specialist advisory work in fruit production and commercial horticulture, as well as positions in local authority parks management. A Chartered Horticulturalist and Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association, Dorothy continues to work part-time in the private sector, offering expert consultancy in tree management and plant health. Dorothy has represented the Institute of Horticulture (now the Chartered Institute of Horticulture) on the Tree Council of Ireland since 1996 and served as its President from 2005 to 2008. She is also a past Chair of the Institute’s Irish Branch, and co-author of Amenity Trees and Woodlands: A Guide to Their Management in Ireland—a key reference for professionals involved in urban forestry and landscape planning. Her lifelong interest in entomology and integrated pest management (IPM) has led to ongoing research in the classical biological control of invasive pests, particularly in Eucalyptus crops. She has presented her findings at international forums, including the IOBC-WPRS meetings in Denmark (2015) and the Azores (2018), contributing to global understanding of sustainable pest control strategies. Dorothy remains an influential voice in Irish horticulture and arboriculture, with a strong focus on ecological resilience, plant health, and knowledge-sharing across disciplines.

Éanna Ní Lamhna is one of Ireland’s most recognisable naturalists and a leading voice in environmental education and biodiversity advocacy. Born in Stabannon, near Castlebellingham in County Louth, she studied botany, microbiology, and plant ecology at University College Dublin, later earning a PhD and a Higher Diploma in Education. Her early career in the 1970s and ’80s was spent conducting biodiversity research and species mapping with An Foras Forbartha, the forerunner to Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency. After retiring early in 1988, she focused on consultancy, science communication, education, and public engagement. Since 1995, Éanna has become a household name through her long-standing role on RTÉ Radio 1’s Mooney Goes Wild, where her warm, witty, and insightful commentary on nature has earned her a loyal national audience. She has also appeared on Creature Feature, The Den, The Late Late Show, and now regularly features on Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show, where she continues to make ecology accessible and entertaining to a broad television audience. As an author, Éanna has published several acclaimed books, including Talking Wild, Wild and Wonderful, Wild Dublin, and The Great Irish Biodiversity Book. Known for blending scientific expertise with clear, engaging prose, her writing is designed to help both adults and young people connect with the natural world around them. Éanna has held significant leadership roles in Irish environmental organisations. She served as President of An Taisce (2004–2009) and twice as President of the Tree Council of Ireland (2011–2014 and 2020–2023). She currently continues to serve as the Tree Council’s Public Relations Officer, advocating for tree conservation and nature education across communities. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to science communication and environmental awareness, the University of Galway awarded her an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 2024. She was previously named one of Ireland’s “Influential 100” in 2012. A passionate advocate for reconnecting people, especially children, with nature, Éanna has voiced concern about the growing disconnect between modern life and the outdoors. Her message is consistent and urgent: to know nature is to protect it. Whether through media, school visits, community events, or tree-planting ceremonies, she remains a tireless champion of Ireland’s wild spaces and the species they support.

Joseph McConville is the principal and senior consultant of JM McConville & Associates, a leading arboricultural consultancy based in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. With more than 40 years of professional experience, his practice specialises in arboriculture and historic landscape management, offering services such as tree condition surveys, health and safety audits, environmental impact assessments, and forensic tree investigations. He holds a B.Agr.Sc. (Horticulture) from the National University of Ireland and is a City & Guilds-certified Tree Surgeon at Craftsman level, having achieved distinctions in his examinations. His professional affiliations include Fellowship of the Arboricultural Association, Associate Membership of the Landscape Institute (Management Division), and recognition as a Chartered Environmentalist. Joseph is also a highly experienced expert witness, frequently called upon in legal contexts involving tree safety, boundary disputes, and arboricultural negligence. His analytical approach and technical expertise have earned him a strong reputation within the legal, planning, and environmental sectors. From 2017 to 2020, he served as President of the Tree Council of Ireland, guiding the organisation through key national campaigns, including National Tree Week and efforts to promote and protect Ireland’s Champion Trees. Prior to this, he held the roles of Vice-President and Treasurer, underlining his long-standing dedication to tree advocacy and environmental education. Joseph continues to contribute to public and professional discourse on urban forestry, tree health, and environmental policy. He has provided commentary in national media on matters such as the management of street trees, biodiversity, and sustainable urban planning.

Cormac Downey has worked on, up, and with trees for over 30 years. His journey into arboriculture began in 1990 and developed from working as a commercial climber to running his own tree surgery business for 19 years. In 2016, he was appointed as the first-ever Arboricultural Officer for the Office of Public Works in Ireland. He currently serves as the Executive Parks & Landscape Tree Officer for Fingal County Council, where he oversees urban tree management, park maintenance, and biodiversity programmes. Throughout his career, Cormac has built a strong national reputation for sustainable landscape stewardship and urban forestry leadership. Within Fingal County Council, he plays a key role in mentoring staff, promoting best practices in urban forestry, and integrating ecological thinking into parks and public realm projects. His dual focus on technical precision and community engagement helps bridge the gap between policy and practice in Ireland’s evolving green infrastructure. Cormac holds the PDArb (RFS), the and NDArb from Merrist Wood (UK), as well as a Higher National Diploma in Rural Resource Management from Seale-Hayne (UK). He is a Certified Veteran Tree Specialist at the Consulting level. In 2023, Cormac was appointed President of the Tree Council of Ireland, stepping into this leadership role during a pivotal time for the organisation. As President, he leads Ireland’s national tree advocacy efforts, coordinating campaigns such as National Tree Week and National Tree Day, raising awareness of native tree planting, and highlighting critical issues such as ash dieback and biosecurity. He also represents the Irish Branch of the Arboricultural Association and sits on the Consortium Steering Group for the Irish Arboricultural Apprenticeship Programme. Beyond his public sector role, Cormac contributes to strategic partnerships with organisations such as Coillte, helping to deliver large-scale community tree planting and educational initiatives. He is frequently invited to speak at professional events, including the Master My Garden Podcast and the Arboricultural Association’s Veteran Tree Management Knowledge Day, where he shares insights on tree establishment, climate resilience, and biodiversity. Among other guidance documents, he has co-authored A Guide for Landowners for Managing Roadside Trees and more recently written Guidance on Managing Ash Dieback.