DMG Media Ireland has selected 40 brilliant young minds in the PR industry as part of the 40 Under 40 series.

Emma Fitzpatrick - managing director, 11PR and Events

Emma Fitzpatrick is the managing director of 11PR and Events, a leading public relations and events management firm based in Ireland.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, Fitzpatrick has established herself as a trailblazer in combining innovative communication strategies with seamless event execution.

Under her leadership, 11PR and Events has grown into a respected name in Ireland’s PR and events space, working with both high-profile clients and emerging brands.

Fitzpatrick’s career began in journalism, where she honed her skills in storytelling and media relations.

She transitioned to public relations and events management, where her keen eye for detail, strategic thinking, and creative flair led to an impressive portfolio of successful campaigns and unforgettable events.

As a passionate advocate for fostering talent, Fitzpatrick has built a collaborative work environment at 11PR, empowering her team to push boundaries while delivering exceptional results.

Her commitment to client satisfaction and her innate ability to navigate the ever-changing PR.

• Hobbies Going to the gym, spending time with family.
• Best piece of advice you’ve ever received Every day is a school day.
• Why you love your job No two projects are the same, and there’s always a new challenge to tackle.
• Motto for Life Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Dan O'Neill - managing director, Teneo Ireland

Dan O’Neill is a managing director with Teneo in Ireland where he co-leads the corporate communications and government affairs team. He is also a member of the Irish senior leadership team. He has worked with the firm for eleven years, having joined at entry level in 2013.

With over 60 client facing colleagues, Teneo is Ireland’s largest communications consultancy and managing director is the highest level in the firm. O'Neill advises the CEOs and senior leaders of leading organisations both in Ireland and internationally working across several industry sectors including banking, retail, and sport.

Most recently in October and November of this year, O'Neill was based in Baku, Azerbaijan where he provided strategic communications advice to the COP29 Presidency, at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

O'Neill specialises in all aspects of strategic communications and reputation management including crisis and issues management, narrative and message development, executive communications coaching, media relations, and government and public affairs.

He uses these skills to help senior leaders to protect and enhance their organisations reputation and to communicate effectively to key stakeholders on business strategy.

He also advises organisations on the design, structure and effectiveness of their communications teams and functions and has extensive experience in conducting qualitative research on behalf of organisations to help them understand how they are perceived reputationally amongst their key stakeholders.

In addition, O'Neill has experience advising organisations in critical areas such as strategy and governance. He also has a strong passion for continuous development and nurturing young talent.

He has previously been shortlisted for the Young Communications Professional of the Year by the PRII and PRCA and was also a finalist in the Marketing and Communications category in the Early Career Awards.

Prior to joining Teneo, O'Neill worked as a traffic and travel broadcaster with AA Roadwatch broadcasting on RTÉ Radio One and RTÉ 2FM. He also has experience working in sports broadcasting at a national level with RTÉ and in local radio with iRadio, Red FM and Clare FM.

• Hobbies Sport (Kerry GAA, Arsenal, Irish rugby and Irish soccer) and going to music concerts and festivals.
• Best piece of advice you’ve ever received Learn fast. Forget faster.
• Why you love your job The level of variety it brings.
• Motto for life Always back yourself.

Lauren Murphy - PR account director, Valerie Roe PR

With a decade of experience within the industry, Lauren Murphy is a PR professional and account Director at Valerie Roe PR, a leading boutique agency based in Dublin.

Having just celebrated her third year anniversary with the company, Murphy has become a driving force in shaping successful campaigns and building strong client relationships within the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries.

In her role, Murphy oversees all aspects of public relations and event management, ensuring every campaign is executed with precision and creativity. She thrives on helping brands tell their stories in compelling ways, consistently delivering standout results, including front-cover features, in-depth interviews with brand founders, and impactful product launches that leave lasting impressions.

Clients within the expansive portfolio include award-winning Irish and international brands such as Bellamianta, Kash Beauty, Ella & Jo, BPerfect Cosmetics, Iconic Bronze, Human + Kind Skincare, Voduz, Lisa & Co., Dylan Oaks, and many more.

Murphys expertise lies in blending strategic thinking with a hands-on approach. Whether she’s orchestrating high-profile events, or securing media coverage for clients, Lauren brings enthusiasm and dedication to every project she undertakes. Her keen eye for trends and detail, and her ability to navigate the fast-paced PR landscape ensures that her clients remain at the forefront of their industries.

Murphy’s commitment to clients has made her an integral part of Valerie Roe PR’s success, solidifying the agency’s reputation as a go-to agency for brands looking to make an impact.

• Hobbies Live music and travelling.
• Best piece of advice you've ever received Success is built on relationships, and that it's important of building genuine connections.
• Why you love your job The dynamic nature of PR, no two days are ever the same.
• Motto for life What’s meant for you, won’t pass you by.