Our Committee

Nicola McCann - President

​My name is Nicola McCann. I am wife to Francis and we have 3 children, Mia aged 11, Katie 9 and Francis Óg (Óggie) 5. We are originally from a small town in Co.Tyrone called Coalisland. 
​Our time in Australia started nearly 10 years ago. Francis came to Australia back in 2011. Mia and I came to visit and fell in love with the lifestyle. Francis was lucky to be offered sponsorship and with that a move to Townsville so we grabbed the opportunity and said we would give it a go. 
In June 2012, Mia (21 months old) Katie (15weeks old) and Myself left the glorious green land of home for our adventure down under in Townsville. 
I have been a member of the NQIA for a number of years now. I had heard of it but never been to anything as with young kids it was hard. We finally got to attend as the kids got older and thanks to the kids Irish Dancing School they got involved with the kids participating in the music sessions. 
We wanted our kids, to know their culture, hear stories, music and accents from home. The children love being involved and seeing everyone when we get together. 
With current circumstances and home feeling further away we all longed for that connection even more. Mia had the idea if we could organising a camping weekend with our Irish families, and with great success we had the first camping weekend in August 2020. 
I have went from member, to event organiser, and now I am the 2021/2022 President. Our hope is to bring more families together through our events, culture, dance and music. Spreading the word with our community and wider a field.
We have made many new connections, friends and friends who are now family. We look forward to seeing you all at the many events through the year ahead. 

Darren Pierce - Vice President

Dia dhuit my name is Darren Pierce and I first joined NQIA in 2014 after being introduced by friends. I have been involved with the NQIA committee since 2016.
I was born and raised in Townsville and from an early age, I have always held a love to travel.  I hold dual Australian and Irish citizenship so this has helped with my travels abroad.
My grandmother (on my mother’s side) Agnes Mary Flanagan was born and raised in Maguire’s Bridge, County Fermanagh. Nanna immigrated with her family to Australia at the age of 12 in 1928. 
I spent a lot of time with my nanna growing up in Townsville and she introduced me to Irish culture, food and music.  This is where my love of the Irish culture started and I love nothing better than a big fry up (nothing compares to Nanna’s though) followed by a few Guinness’s, Irish whiskeys and some traditional tunes.
My great great grandparents (on my father’s side) were Pierce’s, Brinn’s, Conelan’s, O’Briens (and Campell’s from Scotland) who were born and raised in Counties Clare, Limerick and Laois. The Pierce family Immigrated to Australia around 1856.
I lived and worked in Ireland for a few years travelling to all 32 of the counties before settling in Galway City where I worked for Celtic Bookmakers (owned by Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein party) – fun and interesting times. 
The NQIA have become such good friends and it is so great to connect with fantastic people who love the Irish culture and tradition.  If you love music and similar minded people, the NQIA is for you. I would encourage anyone to come along to any of the events and join our NQIA Irish family.

Peter Walsh - Treasurer

Charlene Bremner - Secretary

My name is Charlene Bremner and I am from County Antrim. I grew up in Australia and have been living here in North Queensland for most of my life, in Townsville and Mount Isa.  My family were part of the Irish Community in Mount Isa and we have been members of NQIA for quite a few years, having become more involved over the last couple of years to ensure that our children learn about Irish culture and experience the craic that always follows Irish gatherings. 
​The addition of new family events and camping weekends has made it easier for us to get involved and we hope to be able to continue to connect with other Irish families and those who enjoy our culture. Looking forward to being part of more fun-filled events in my role as Secretary and seeing you all in the future!

Working Committee Members

Christy Agnew

My name is Christy Agnew. I was born in Belfast, County Antrim. I’ve been a financial member of the NQIA for several years. I see the Association as a great way to meet and socialise with other like-minded ex-pats/descendants who share the same love of Irish music and culture. ​

Sid Byrne

I’m Sid. I’ve had an affiliation with Townsville for the last number of years. Since I moved here with my Australian wife and family I have grown to understand the importance of having a connection with my homeland. As a proud Irishman I try to instil a love for Ireland into my young family by telling them stories of folklore and legend. I became involved in the NQIA committee as I feel it’s important for my family to be surrounded by people who support and encourage the Irish way whether this be through Irish music, Irish sports, Irish dance or Irish culture. By joining the committee I hope to help promote all aspects of Ireland to people in Townsville and the surrounding areas with an interest in Ireland. I’m relatively new to committees but what I lack in experience I hope to make up for in passion.

Renee O'Farrell

Hi I'm Renee. I was born and raised in Ayr, North Queensland and grew up learning Scottish traditions as is my heritage. This included dancing and at the age of 7 I was introduced to Irish Dancing. In 1991, after meeting Dr John Cullinane (Vice President of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha), it was then I really found my passion for Irish Dancing. I started my own dancing school in 2000 in Townsville, and over the years I have had the pleasure of working with some of the members of NQIA. 
In 2010, I married my husband Rohan O'Farrell (who's family originates from Longford, County Longford) and in 2013 our son Eamon was born. As our heritage is important to us, Rohan and I have ensured Eamon knows both sides of where he comes from, which was another reason for becoming more involved in the association. In the past couple of years I have become a working committee member to ensure we are more involved in the Irish community along with our dancing community.