By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Jack Kennedy, Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
This week sees new and notable appointments at Addleshaw Goddard, BT Ireland, and ONSIDE
Jack Kennedy, Partner,
Addleshaw Goddard
Carol Connolly, Country Host,
BT Ireland
BT Ireland today announced that Shay Walsh will step down from his role as Managing Director and Country Host, after 10 years at the helm. Walsh will hand over to Carol Connolly, BT’s Country Operations Manager for Ireland, who has been appointed Country Host, effective from 1st September.
The transition comes as BT Ireland approaches the completion of its transformation programme to align it with the company’s international strategy and model, including agreements to divest a number of business units.
Chet Patel, Managing Director, Portfolio Businesses, BT said: “I would like to thank Shay for his outstanding contribution to BT. A 29-year veteran of the business, he has been instrumental in shaping the culture and reputation of the Irish operation, with his commitment to responsible business initiatives leaving an indelible mark.
“Over the past 18 months, Shay’s leadership has helped guide the business through major change and position it for future success. I am pleased that Carol Connolly will take on the role of Country Host – her deep knowledge of the business and strong leadership credentials make her well placed to lead the next phase.”
Martin Fallon, Head of Advisory,
ONSIDE
ONSIDE, an Irish sponsorship consultancy firm, has announced the appointment of Martin Fallon as its new Head of Advisory. Fallon joins from Wera Tools UK, where he served as Head of Marketing, overseeing innovative product launches, omnichannel brand campaigns and multi-year partnerships in motorsport.
Fallon brings extensive experience from rightsholder organisations such as Motorsport UK, the Tour of Britain, Wasps, Connacht Rugby, and Harlequins, demonstrating a proven track record in marketing and overlapping with key sponsorship categories in Irish sport.
Fallon is a member of the European Sponsorship Association (ESA). He served on the judging panel for the ESA Awards in both 2023 and 2024.
“Martin’s depth of experience across brands and property makes him an outstanding addition to the ONSIDE team. His expertise will be instrumental in helping sponsors and rights holders seize new opportunities in Ireland’s rapidly growing sponsorship sector,” says ONSIDE Director, Eithne Trainor.
Fallon adds: “I first interacted with the team at ONSIDE in 2011, and they have continued to grow a distinguished reputation for delivering the insights and intelligence that underpin some of Ireland’s most successful and long-standing sponsorships. I am delighted to join such a highly regarded organisation and look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
The appointment comes as ONSIDE continues to expand its team in advisory and intelligence in response to growing demand, with ONSIDE’s Q2 2025 Quarterly Sponsorship Review reflecting the largest overall volume of sponsorship deals in the Irish market on record.
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