| Druid are delighted to announce the appointment of Declan Gibbons as Managing Director. Declan took up his post on May 1st 2007. Speaking on his appointment Declan expressed his delight at his new position, “This is the ideal job for me, to be working with one of the most exciting theatre companies in the country, at a pivotal stage in their development and to be based in Galway. What could be better?” Druid Artistic Director and founder Garry Hynes welcomed Declan on board at a fascinating time for the company, “I’m delighted to welcome Declan to the company and look forward to working with him at a very exciting time for Druid; consolidating and building on the work and achievements of recent years”. ABOUT DECLAN Originally from Creeslough in Co. Donegal, Declan came to Galway to study English and Philosophy and graduated with an MA in Philosophy in 1985. An accomplished guitarist, he played with Mary Coughlan while still at college before becoming involved with Galway Arts Festival where he started his arts career working in the Box Office. In 1992 he joined Macnas as Financial Controller and helped steer the company away from significant debt to performing on a more stable financial footing. He also worked as a musician for the company and toured as part of the ensemble that worked on the Táin and Buile Shuibhne / Sweeny tours. In 1994 he was asked by Páraic Breathnach to take over as General Manager of Macnas, a position he held until 2003. During most of this time he worked as creative producer with primary responsibility for commissioning and producing the company’s artistic programme. Highlights of his theatre work include Rhymes From The Ancient Mariner, The Dead School, Diamonds In The Soil, The Lost Days of Ollie Deasy, Grainne Mhaol and The Mysteries. In addition he organized many national and international theatre tours for Macnas including tours in France, North America and Columbia. He also served on the board of Galway Arts Festival for three years. For the past two years he has worked with Ticketmaster and has concentrated on the implementation of a new ticketing system for the GAA which was successfully introduced for the 2006 championship season. He is married with three children. For media information please contact Darragh at Kate Bowe PR on 01-6713672 or darragh@katebowepr.ie | 
