At its AGM, which took place online, Engineers Ireland Cork Branch elected Valerie Fenton as chair for 2021/2022.

As just the third female chair in the distinguished 80-year history of the Engineers Ireland Cork Region Committee, Fenton said that she was "looking forward to promoting greater visibility of female engineers in all our activities over my tenure as chair.

"Owing to my own background, and experience, across private consultancies, third level institutions and public authorities, I hope to facilitate a varied programme of events to highlight the best of Cork engineering projects and indeed the conversations relevant to Cork engineers".

Valerie Fenton

Outgoing chair Ronan Keane looked back on an unusual but nonetheless successful year for the group. "We exploited modern technology to bring events to our members and to the wider community. The online talk about Cork's Daly's bridge attracted viewers from as far away as Australia," said Keane as he wished Fenton the very best in her tenure. 

Fenton added: "I have the privilege of leading an outstanding committee who give of their time generously for the good of the engineering profession and the county, so I would encourage all engineers to engage with the events we host in the coming year."