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

Cathal Barry, managing director of financial communications, Drury

Cathal Barry leads the financial communications team at Drury and draws on his significant experience working in media and public relations to provide strategic integrated communications counsel to some of Ireland’s biggest and best-known companies.

Cathal specialises in capital markets and transaction communications, helping clients to communicate their business’ strategy, growth ambitions and financial strength.

He works closely with a range of public companies listed on stock exchanges in Dublin, London and New York advising on how to optimally communicate around financial calendar reporting, corporate development activity and shareholder activism.

With a background in print and broadcast journalism, Barry also specialises in media relations and has been involved as an advisor on some of the most high-profile Irish business stories in recent years.

He plays a leading role in corporate storytelling as well as crisis and issues management for several private and family-owned businesses of scale spanning a variety of sectors, helping them to enhance and protect their reputations.

Barry holds a Diploma in Advertising, Marketing, Sales, and PR as well as Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He also holds a Diploma in Capital Markets and Investments.

In 2019, Barry. was named on the Young Communications Professional of the Year shortlist by the PRII and PRCA and was an Early Career Awards finalist in the Marketing and Communications category.

• Hobbies Exercise in the gym and running after his two daughters
• Best piece of advice you've ever received Stay open. Things aren’t always black and white, yes, or no; there is usually a third way if you apply yourself to finding it.
• Why you love your job Practical problem solving, influencing decision making at a senior level, and exposure to so many brilliant leaders and businesses.
• Motto for life Your potential is your next limit. Instead, be all that you can be.

Mícheál Brennan – Head of Digital PR, Legacy Communications

With 15 years in marketing, Mícheál Brennan's introduction into the PR world wasn't traditional.

Having founded and grown a small digital marketing agency to six-figure revenues before its acquisition by Legacy in 2021, Brennan helped build Legacy's digital PR offering when he joined the company.

Now head of digital PR at Legacy, Brennan has worked on multiple award-winning campaigns for both national and international brands. He has a proven track record in developing creative digital PR strategies that deliver on digital and commercial results. 

Brennan's experience across digital marketing is vast - he has led successful campaigns across the retail, tech, property, e-commerce, and health space working with all manner of companies from small businesses to national and global brands, including several international clients across, the UK, US, and Australia in addition to the core client base in Ireland.

• Hobbies Thai-boxing and boxing. Also enjoys having a kickaround with hs sons.
• Best piece of advice you’ve ever received "If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room."
• Why you love your job Flexing creative muscles, working with household names.
• Your motto for life “Screw it, let's do it.”

Aaron Linnane - Benelux lead, Beachhut PR

At 25 years of age, Aaron Linnane is already a seasoned communications professional and currently the Benelux Lead at Beachhut PR, having joined to spearhead Beachhut's expansion into mainland Europe.

Operating from the company's Amsterdam office, he has leveraged his extensive network to build media connections, shape strategic PR initiatives, and secure high-profile interviews with leading international tech publications.

Previously, Linnane served as international public relations manager at Ryanair, where he drove impactful multi-channel campaigns and maximised marketing performance.

With a Master’s in Public Relations & Strategic Communications from Dublin City University, he brings a high level of strategic acumen and dedication to brand building, establishing reputations, and amplifying public engagement.

• Hobbies Any sports, but in particular GAA.
• Best piece of advice you've ever received Build relationships before you need them.
• Why you love your job Getting to turn complex tech into something people want to read, and convince Europe's that clients are worth the buzz.
• Motto for life Stay curious, work smart, and always keep moving forward.