Entertainers

Artificial Intelligence Speakers

Artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting and transformative technologies of our time, and it’s no surprise that more and more companies are interested in booking an AI speaker for their corporate events. AI speakers can bring a unique perspective and expertise to your event, and can help your audience understand the potential of this rapidly-evolving field. 

We understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Here are some things to keep in mind when booking an AI speaker for your event.

First, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want the AI speaker to cover. AI is a broad field, and there are many different topics and areas of expertise within it. Do you want the speaker to discuss the latest advancements in natural language processing, or the ethical implications of AI? Or do you want them to provide a more general overview of the field and its potential? Having a clear sense of what you’re looking for will help you identify the right speaker for your event.

Investing in a high-quality speaker can pay off in the form of a more engaging and informative event, and can help you establish your company as a thought leader in the field of AI.

Booking an AI speaker for your corporate event can be a great way to educate and engage your audience on this exciting and rapidly-evolving field.

We can help you find the right speaker for your event and create a memorable and impactful experience for your attendees.

We specialise in:

• Securing guest speakers and MCs from our extensive network
• Sourcing new and emerging speakers not agency listed.

We only work with the best in the business so contact us to Book a AI keynote speaker today. 

To book an AI Keynote Speaker for your conference or event or to talk to us about your event requirements, please submit the enquiry form or call us on 01 235 2570.

Ronan O’Gara

With Ronan O’Gara’s sky high profile and proven winner status, he  is the perfect speaker for your cororate event. 

A motivational speaker and high-performance consultant and one of world rugby’s most decorated personalities- in 2023 Ronan (aka ROG) has already led and coached La Rochelle to two back-to-back Heineken Cup wins.

A retired rugby union player and highly successful head coach. ROG played at fly-half and is Ireland’s second most-capped international player. ROG played an astonishing 128 times for Ireland and retired as Ireland’s highest ever points scorer.

ROG, an incredibly dedicated and determined man, showed continued loyalty throughout his career, playing for domestic side Munster for his whole career. As an Irish rugby legend, ROG remains as the eighth ninth most-capped and fourth fifth highest point scorer in the history of test rugby.

ROG made his Munster debut in 1997, he made an instant name for himself scoring 19 points on debut. Throughout his spectacular career for Munster, ROG won a number of prestigious titles including two Heineken Cups. The Heineken Cup was where ROG particularly excelled as a top athlete and performer, he currently holds the record for most appearances and points scored in the history of the Heineken Cup. He was awarded the most influential player for 15 years of the HC.

The first cup success came in a victory against Biarritz in 2006, ROG stamped his authority on the game kicking an incredible 13 points. Munster only had to wait until 2008 to enjoy their next Heineken Cup success; they beat Toulouse 16-13 in the final with ROG scoring 11 vital points.

He made his international debut for Ireland in a Six Nations match against Scotland in 2000. ROG eventually played in numerous Six Nations and World Cups for his country. He was named the captain of the squad in 2008 and then just one year later surpassed Jonny Wilkinson to become the top Six Nations point scorer ever.

In 2011, ROG became the first Irishman to score over 1,000 points in international games. He would eventually go on to score 1,083 points for Ireland which, to this day, still hasn’t been passed by anybody.

Since retiring in 2013, he has taken on coaching roles at prestigious club sides such as Paris based Racing 92 and serial Southern Hemisphere Champions the Canterbury Crusaders. He is currently the head coach at French club La Rochelle leading them to an historic Heineken Champions Cup victory in 2022, becoming just the third person to lift the trophy both as a player and a head coach. He is the only person to have won it as a player and a coach with different clubs.

ROG is available to hire as a rugby speaker and is guaranteed to light up your event with his humour and personality. He often discusses his remarkable career but also touches on teamwork, determination and being under the spotlight.

At corporate events and functions, ROG is known to discuss the following topics:

International Rugby
Building a Legacy
Teamwork
Drive & Determination
Being Under the Spotlight
Maximising Success
Loyalty & Dedication
Domestic Rugby
Rugby Union
Rugby World Cup
Six Nations

As a guest speaker at corporate events speaks with insight and honesty of his journey through the professional game. ROG reflects on those many successes and occasional lows with the straight-talking attitude that has become his trademark.

Ronan is available for Q&A or interview style presentations and corporate launches.

To book Ronan O’Gara for your conference or event or to talk to us about your event requirements, please submit the enquiry form or call us on 01 235 2570.

Anton Savage

Anton is a highly experienced presenter – one of our most popular hosts, and a regular MC at AGM’s, award ceremonies and conferences. His easy presenting style and wonderful ability to inform and communicate important conference messages to an audience transfers flawlessly into the corporate sector.

With many successful events under his belt for clients including Vodafone, Bank of Ireland and Barry Group, he can bring real charisma and charm to your event, engaging your audience with ease throughout.

In recent years, he has presented TV and Radio Shows including Ireland AM, The Seven O’Clock Show, The Apprentice, You’re Fired! The Sunday Business Show, and The Anton Savage Show (for which he won the PPI Award for Best Magazine Show), in the show’s inaugural year.

Engage your audience with ease

As a journalist and published author too, Anton knows how to tell a story and can engage your audience on both light-hearted topics and serious issues.  No doubt your attendees will be familiar with his writings in the likes of The Irish Independent, The Examiner, The Mail and Mail on Sunday and he has been a columnist for both The Sunday Independent and Herald. And many will be aware of his first book Spin and Win – how Irish politicians get elected, which was published in 2007 to positive reviews – but ‘almost no sales’ as he tells us himself!

You’re in safe hands

Other specialist events he has MC’d include the prestigious European People’s Party European Convention, which was addressed by the heads of dozens of EU Member States. Anton has also hosted unique ‘Audiences With’ events, which involved chatting with a range of guests, from Sir John Sawyers (former head of MI6) to Jeremy Paxman, to IKEA Global Chairman Lars-Johan Jarnheimer. 

In his day job as Managing Director of The Communications Clinic, one of Ireland’s leading communications training and advisory companies which he co-founded in 2008, he advises many clients on communications issues and strategies. And it is this insight gained from years of experience that will help him to bring an extra dimension to your next event.

Testimonials

“This was our fourth time engaging Anton to facilitate our annual principals’ conference, and we have asked him back for our event in January 2019 for a reason. He is the consummate professional – completely on top of his brief and very credible in his questioning of our keynote speakers – including Richard Bruton, Minister for Education and Skills. He is also very engaging and charming, attributes that definitely added to the atmosphere of the event, as our member feedback confirms. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Anton for similar engagements elsewhere, except where they clash with our conference, of course!”

Páiric Clerkin, CEO of IPPN – the Irish Primary Principals’ Network

“Anton Savage is a ‘pro’ – a gentleman to his fingertips and the ‘best there is’ in my opinion!”

Barry’s Group 60th Anniversary, 2015

To book Anton Savage either submit the enquiry form, mail:  info@carolandassociates.com or call  01 235 2570.

Marty Whelan

Arguably one of Ireland’s favourite broadcasters, Marty Whelan is a much loved Award-winning radio and TV personality who frequently Hosts and MCs conferences and events all over Ireland.

Marty’s professional and relaxed manner keeps audiences entertained while also taking on the serious business of presenting Awards and keeping your event on track.

As well as charity work, and being seen and heard on RTÉ radio and television, Marty has presented a variety of shows.

Best known as a broadcaster on Lyric FM,  co-host of Winning Streak and a seasoned Eurovision commentator he has also presented Open House, Celebrity Bainisteoir and many more!

Every morning Marty takes the chill out of early morning starts with music, news, weather and travel updates on the popular show, ‘Marty in the Morning’ on RTE Radio. Marty is also a previous winner of the VIP Style Award for Most Stylish Man and recently launched his memoir, ‘That’s Life’ in Dublin.

A  hugely engaging MC, Marty has hosted conferences, awards, competitions and is a safe pair of hands who bring years of experience to and event and massively contributes to  to it’s success on the day!

Past clients:

“Marty was only magic yesterday, he was brilliant.  What I love about him, he gave everyone no matter how young or old, his time very freely.  He always makes our event stand out, so thank you so much!  (Irish League of Credit Unions, Art Competition)

“Marty was absolutely brilliant. So much positive feedback from all quarters. I actually don’t think it could have gone any better.”  (ShelfLife Magazine)

To book Marty Whelan to host or MC your corporate event or to talk to us about your event requirements, either submit the enquiry form, email us: info@carolandassociates.com or call us on 01 235 2570.

Christmas Carol Singers

Ireland’s Only Victorian Costumed A Cappella Carolers!   

The Merry Voices Christmas Carol Singers deliver a touch of nostalgia, and a heap of Christmas joy to your Christmas party or promotional event.

 These professional singers with 20+ years of experience on stage and television perform a stunning four-part harmony acapella of well-known Christmas favourites, along with a few surprises thrown in! 

Carol Singing

The Victorians made door-to-door caroling fashionable before there was any mention of social distancing!   The Merry Voices can  sing outdoors.  Create the perfect surprise for clients, or your corporate teams with a carol singers performance on their doorstep.  The group can also travel to nearby locations to sing 3-4 songs.

After Dinner Entertainment

When restrictions are eased, the singers can move freely throughout your event, as no instruments are needed.   Then guests are given a Merry Voices songsheet to join in the fun with a Merry Christmas Sing-a-Long, along with a “12 Days of Christmas” Sing Off between tables.  Performances continue for approximately an hour.

A Group to Fit your Event and Budget

The Merry Voices Quartet is the most popular choice, and highly recommended.  Four amazing singers in four part harmony: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass.  For smaller budgets, a trio can sing in three part harmony, and for larger scale events a group of up to eight singers can be arranged.

To book The Merry Voices or talk to us about your event requirements, complete our enquiry formor call 01 235 2570.

Donal Óg Cusack

Donal Óg Cusack 

Cited as one of the most influential Irish Sports People of his generation, through his championing of the cause of player welfare with Cork, his leadership of the Gaelic Players Association and his innovation as a goalkeeper. Donal Óg is regarded as one of the great hurling goalkeepers winning honours at all levels of the sport including 5 Munster titles, 3 All Irelands Titles and 2 All-stars at Senior level. He is a Senior Engineering Manager with an American Multinational Healthcare Company, works as a TV hurling analyst with the flagship sports program The Sunday Game and is current President of the Gaelic Players Association who represent 4,000 past and present male and female intercounty players.

Top Sporting Achievemens

Donal made 54 championship appearances for Cork, more than any other goalkeeper in Ireland’s history.  He has proved himself a “doughty and tenacious” competitor through his time in the sport, and has won three All-Ireland medals, five Munster medals and two All-Star awards

Activism

Donal  has also been a public advocate for wellness and LGBT causes and led powerful campaigning for marriage equality and gay rights.  He is seen as a role model in an Irish sporting culture unused to addressing sexuality and mental health issues. His activism goes beyond just paying lip service to gay equality in Ireland. Donal appears on TV, attends rallies, and has even travelled abroad to the US, where he met with Jason Collins, and Russia where he confronted homophobic politicians.  Cusack has long been a passionate advocate of players’ rights, he was to the forefront of a series of panel strikes in Cork, and he was a prime mover behind the growth of the GPA from a small outsider body to official GAA recognition.

 Corporate Speaking

Donal has much experience in motivational corporate speaking, including sharing some of the secrets of how the lessons of sport can translate into success in other areas of life.  He has worked for US Multinational Johnson and Johnson in Cork for 15 years, running projects around win energy at their sites that have brought him to a position of respect and influence within the global organisation.

Topics
As a sports professional and internationally renowned GAA star, Dónal Óg Cusack is well-versed in the many areas such as:

Leadership
Sports and Coaching
Careers in Media
Business Management.
Diversity & Inclusion.

Testimonials
“Donal Og was absolutely amazing. He blew us all away. He was so honest and humble, yet he delivered such a powerful speech. I think he really made a difference to a lot of people, myself included. Thank you.” – Boston Scientific, Clonmel

“We can’t speak highly enough of Donal Og. Everyone really enjoyed his story and rapport with all the team here.” – Kerry Group

To book Donal Óg Cusack or to talk to us about your event requirements, please submit the enquiry form or call us on 01 235 2570.

Gráinne Seoige

Gráinne is one of our most popular hosts, and a regular MC at AGM’s, award ceremonies and conferences. Her easy presenting style and wonderful ability to inform and communicate important messages to an audience transfers flawlessly into the corporate sector.

A highly experienced presenter, Gráinne  is the only television personality to have worked with all four Republic of Ireland television stations: TG4, TV3, RTÉ one and RTÉ two. 

Gráinne recently performed on Dancing With the Stars 2022 , and is back on our screens for the first time since arriving home from South Africa. 

Other high-profile roles for Gráinne include presenting The All Ireland Talent Show, co-presenting Up for the Match, hosting the People of the Year Awards, documentary series Gráinne Seoige’s Modern Life, and Great Irish Journeys which looked at Ireland during the Famine in 1849. In 2004, Gráinne was a very popular winner of the VIP Style Award. She was presented with the Hewlett Packard Award for Irish at the 2007 NUIG Alumni Awards for services to the Irish language.

Born in Spiddal, Co. Galway in a bilingual household, she began her TV in 1996 with the launch of TG4, anchoring the 10pm news bulletin.  Gráinne subsequently became Features Editor with ITV’s breakfast show, Daybreak and and presented on the BBC One primetime series That’s Britain. A graduate of NUI Galway, Grainne was presented with the Hewlett Packard Duais don Gaeilge in 2007 in recognition of her work in the Irish language.

Gráinne moved to South Africa a number of years ago with her now husband and set up Grace Diamonds to bring affordable luxury in bespoke design to the Irish market, and has created pieces for royalty, movie stars and industry moguls all over the world. Now back in Ireland having set up the business supply chain, she is  looking forward to growing the company as more people move online for their special jewellery purchases. 

To book Grainne Seoige or to talk to us about your event requirements, please submit the enquiry form or call us on 01 235 2570.

Joanne O’Riordan

Activist, Columnist & Inspirational Speaker

Prominent Irish disability activist Joanne O’Riordan studied criminology in UCC and is only one of seven people in the world living with a rare physical disability known as Total Amelia. This means she was born without all four limbs and even though there is no medical explanation as to why this happened, Joanne or indeed her family has never allowed it to hold her back.

Joanne first gained attention for skipping school to confront then Taoiseach Enda Kenny about his proposed plan to reduce disability funding during his election. In April 2012, she spoke before the UN and challenged the body to create technology to help disabled people such as herself. She was named Young Person of the Year at the People of the Year awards in 2012. Joanne is an activist for people with disabilities, a motivational speaker and a sports columnist with The Irish Times. She appears in the 2013 documentary No Limbs No Limits.

She has used technology to enhance her abilities in both her education and through the wider social environment. She has conquered enormous challenges at home, in school and around her local community. Joanne adapted her life in such a way that it has given her both national and international acclaim. Joanne is now an example to all able bodied and disabled bodies to live very happy, independent, fulfilled lives.

Joanne has challenged the most advanced minds in the world to build her a robot that would become her hands and legs. The challenges she faces everyday get bigger and far greater to overcome. Joanne is an inspiration to others.

To book Joanne O’Riordan or to talk to us about your event requirements, please submit the enquiry form or call us on 01 235 2570.

Damian Browne

Damian Browne is an extreme adventurer, peak performance athlete and International keynote speaker from Galway.

He recently completed the gruelling challenge of rowing from New York to Galway, becoming the first person ever to do so.

During a 16-year career as a professional rugby player, Damian donned the colours of some of rugby’s European elite, including Northampton Saints & Leinster; where he won club rugby’s biggest prize, The Heineken Cup.

Since retirement from professional rugby, Damian has become one of the World’s foremost extreme adventurers; undertaking some of the most demanding physical and mental challenges on the planet, including the 257km Sahara Desert ultra marathon, The Marathon des Sables, rowed solo and unsupported, 5000km across the Atlantic Ocean and has currently climbed 5 of the 7 Summits, a renowned mountaineering feat. Damian’s drive to explore his physical & mental limits is not exclusive to ultra endurance events and he is a multi-time Irish indoor rowing champion, holding all-time, all-category records for the 500m and 1000m distance.

His purpose in life is self actualisation and goal is , “To live an extraordinary life. A life full of challenge, extremes, learning, courage, growth, reality and fulfillment. Driven by responsibility, integrity and discipline. My life will be my masterpiece”.

For 25 years Damian has pursued his human potential, relentlessly pushing his body & mind to their perceived limits; forging himself & his character in what he deems “a crucible life”. Damian has shared his unique story, incredible experiences and deep learnings with multinational corporations, tech giants and World class sporting environments including NFL teams and International Rugby XVs.

As a former professional rugby player, Damian Browne played for European elite Leinster Rugby, winning some of club rugby’s biggest prizes the Heineken cup & Pro 14. Damian is a highly respected professional, known for his work rate and leadership. He also played in the English Premiership for Northampton Saints and in the French TOP 14 with Brive & Oyonnax during a 16 year career.

Damian’s mantra is, ‘To live an extraordinary life. A life full of challenges, extremes, learning, risk, growth and fulfilment. Driven by self-awareness, integrity and courage. Since retirement from professional rugby in 2015, Damian has embraced the life of an extreme adventurer. From a three week expedition into the Pamir mountains in Afghanistan to summiting Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso, Damian has visited over 60 Countries on six continents. In April 2016, Damian completed the six day, 257km Marathon des Sables, across the Sahara Desert also known as ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’. In 2018 he achieved the extraordinary, when he successfully crossed the Atlantic ocean in a rowboat, .. alone, joining a very exclusive group of less than 60 people to ever achieve the feat. In fact, more people have been in space than rowed the Atlantic solo! He endured nine-meter swells, deep lacerations on his head, and complete steering system failure. He came close to death when his boat capsized, getting trapped underneath it and was almost destroyed by an oncoming cargo ship. However, after 63 days, 6 hours and 25 minutes he officially crossed the Atlantic Ocean, 28kgs lighter.

Damian’s rowing prowess doesn’t stop on the ocean, he is also a multi time Irish indoor rowing champion and currently holds the all-time records for the 500m and 1000m distances. Damian regularly shares his experiences and learnings with companies like EY, Facebook and Bank of Ireland. He has written and presented talks entitled ‘Drive not motivation’, ‘Ownership and Commitment are the keys’, ‘Extreme challenge, why?’, ‘Mental preparation – processes, strategies and tools’ and ‘The success lies in the preparation’. He has given a TEDx talk entitled ‘The hidden values in pushing your body to it’s limits’ and had the honour of addressing the Irish Rugby squad and staff before their historic victory over the All Blacks in Dublin, November 2018.

To book Damian Browne for your conference or event or to talk to us about your event requirements, please submit the enquiry form or call us on 01 235 2570.

Nigel Owens

Nigel Owens is a Welsh International, World Cup and Heineken Cup rugby union referee. Born and raised in a small village in South Wales he was appointed as an international referee in 2005, and that year officiated his first international between Ireland and Japan in Osaka.

After Dinner Speaker

Nigel is an extremely popular and entertaining after-dinner speaker. His warmth and humour (he worked as a comedian in South Wales in the 80s) shine through his story, which is brimming 

with anecdotes about matches he has refereed and players he has met along the way: from Gavin Henson’s first match, to on-pitch altercations with Austin Healey, Lawrence Dallaglio’s intimidation tactics, coping with live televised matches, and needing a police escort from the grounds in Auch, France, to his thoughts on the Heineken Cup quarter final between Harlequins and Leinster on 12th April 2009, which was to rock the foundations of rugby worldwide when Harlequins wing Tom Williams bit on a blood capsule and faked injury.

Achievements

He was the only Welsh referee at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups and is regarded as the first openly gay man to referee at the highest level. He made his World Cup debut in Lyon, France in September 2007 refereeing the Argentina vs. Georgia game.

He is only one of two referees ever to be appointed to referee two consecutive Heineken Cup finals: Munster v Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium in 2008 and Leicester Tigers v Leinster at Murrayfield in 2009. 

Nigel is also one of the presenters on S4C’s ‘Jonathan’, a rugby-themed Welsh language chat show hosted by former Welsh international Jonathan Davies. He also co-presents the sports-themed Welsh language chat show ‘Bwrw’r Bar’.

In 2007, Owens was named ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Year‘ by gay rights group Stonewall at their annual awards ceremony in London.

In 2011, Nigel was made a member of the Gorsedd of Bards at their National Eisteddfod in Wrexham.

Owens was appointed as the referee for the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham.

To book Nigel Owens for your event or to talk to us about your event requirements, either submit the enquiry form, email us: info@carolandassociates.com or call us on 01 235 2570.