Reflecting on eight years with the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto

For generations Ireland and Canada have enjoyed strong and deep economic and business links. From enterprise to trade and strong community bonds, Ireland and Canada place a strong importance on these enduring relationships.

As of 2025, Ireland is the 10th biggest investor in Canada, trade between Canada and Ireland has nearly doubled from CAD$6.5 billion (€4 billion) in 2016 to CAD$13 billion (€8 billion) in 2023 and there are now 75 Canadian companies operating in Ireland, employing over 15,000 people.

These figures are supported by the extensive work of organisations made up by likeminded Irish and Canadian leaders hoping to strengthen our relationship across the Atlantic.

One such individual is Dundalk-native, Carmel Drumgoole. Having worked for more than 15 years in fundraising in the not-for-profit sector, for reputable organisations such as GOAL Global in Ireland, the British Academy of Film and TV Arts, and Screen Queensland in Australia. Drumgoole moved to Toronto in 2016 to broaden her horizons and build on her career in North America. Since moving, Drumgoole has worked for the George Brown College Foundation as the Senior Development Officer, raising funds for student bursaries, scholarships, innovative programming and for capital expansion.

Drumgoole’s extensive experience and ambition to promote and develop initiatives for the Irish community in Canada led her to the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto where she served a four-year term on the Board of Directors, followed by four years as President.

Life before Canada

“Before moving to Toronto, Canada in 2016, I worked for GOAL Global an international humanitarian organisation for over 11 years based at their headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. My role involved raising funds for development projects across the developing world. It was during this time that I saw how education can transform the lives of individuals and their families.

I relocated to Toronto with a dream of working within the educational sector. In November 2016, George Brown Polytechnic (GBP), which has three campuses across the city, offered me a role within the GBP’s Foundation fundraising arm dedicated to breaking down barriers to education, and ensuring access for all. The job aligned perfectly with my values, skills and knowledge. I want to thank Dr Cindy Gouveia, the former President of the GBP Foundation, for giving me the opportunity.”

The beginning of a new journey

“From 2018 to 2022, I undertook my master’s degree at University of Toronto in Higher Education, along with joining the Board of Directors of the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto (ICCCTO). When I joined the Board of the Chamber in 2018, I began to realise the extent of the Irish community in Toronto, first, second, third generations. According to Canadian Heritage, “almost 4.6 million Canadians in towns and cities across Canada can trace their ancestry back to Ireland”.

In 2022, Cathy Murphy, then Executive Director of ICCCTO approached me about becoming the President of the Chamber. I accepted the role as the timing was right for the Chamber’s first female President, and I had a strong vision for its future. With the right team, we could advance meaningful initiatives for the Irish community in Toronto. I would like to thank Cathy Murphy for providing me with the opportunity to lead and for her continued support throughout this journey.”

The Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto

“Established in 1991, ICCCTO is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation providing professional and social networking opportunities for individuals and companies in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), along with supporting the economic, trade and investment relations between Ireland and Canada.

Our members represent diverse sectors including but not limited to government agencies, accounting, fintech, legal, public relations, real estate, tourism, retail and construction.

In June 2022, I had the privilege of meeting Sarah Hill (Murphy), originally from Co. Down, Ireland, who was hired as the Chamber’s new Executive Director following Cathy Murphy’s departure. Sarah played a pivotal role in the revitalisation of the organisation.

Working closely with me and our outstanding board members & officers; Edel Buggy, Marto Hoary, David McCaffrey, Michael Barton, Philip Callan, Katie Hennigan, Sarah Fagan, Laura Finnegan as well as past members; Rob McDonnell, John Galway, Dr John O’Dwyer and Rory O’Donovan, we reimagined and introduced new events, restructured the membership, and launched a new website.

By October 2024, membership had increased by 480%, now with 230 members, and revenue increased by 340%. We were continuing to build dynamic and meaningful partnerships with Irish community organisations and industries across Toronto.

In October 2024, Sarah stepped down from her role upon returning to Ireland, with Philip Geraghty, originally from Limerick, replacing her as our Executive Director. Philip is doing a fantastic job of leading the Chamber within his role.

During my tenure, the Chamber has had the opportunity of working with numerous organisations, Irish state agencies, community partners and the Consulate General of Ireland Toronto to deliver engaging events averaging 10 or more per year.”

A lasting impact

“My eight years of volunteering as a board member and Chamber President have been filled with many memorable moments. It has enriched my connections and friendships within the Toronto Irish community. Without the hard work and commitment of our board members, volunteers and sponsors the following events would not have been possible:

• European Chamber ‘Meet Up’ Series: A bi-monthly networking event bringing together the European business community.
• March Business Breakfast: Delivered in partnership with IDA and Enterprise Ireland, this event has welcomed visiting Irish Ministers, including, the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, T.D., and Timmy Dooley T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, and Attorney General of Ontario, Doug Downey.
• Business Professionals Series: In partnership with ‘The Eamonn O’Loghlin Irish Canadian Immigration Centre (I/CAN)’, this event series provides opportunities to network with the chamber’s corporate members and gain insights into Toronto’s job market. It is designed specifically for members who are recent arrivals to the city.

• Business Summit: In partnership with the Ireland Canada Business Association, the chamber plays a pivotal role in organising a bi-annual Business Summit event featuring multiple panel discussions where global industry experts share insights and best practices.
• Women in Leadership Series: Created to inspire and empower future female leaders across all industries. Our signature annual event, held in celebration of St Brigid’s Day, has been a tremendous success. I wish to acknowledge the Consulate General of Ireland, Toronto for their ongoing support, as well as all those who have championed this initiative from the start, particularly Edel Buggy for her leadership and dedication.
• Ireland Canada Marketplace launched in 2023. The objective of this event was to showcase Irish Canadian businesses in Toronto, celebrating Irish culture through food, beverages, arts, retail and tourism. My sincere thanks to Sarah Hill (Murphy) and Katie Hennigan for embracing the vision from the start, and for helping to bring it to life. A special thank you to all our vendors, sponsors and to everyone who bought a ticket! We are extremely proud of this event, and I know it will continue to grow from strength to strength. A percentage of all tickets sold is donated to I/CAN.”

A bright future

“Ireland and Canada have economies that complement each other and benefit from each other’s stable economic markets.

The eight years volunteering for the Chamber has greatly enhanced my leadership and community building skills that are applicable to my current position as Manager of Alumni Relations and Engagement at George Brown Polytechnic.

I want to acknowledge our members, 230 and growing from new arrivals, business professionals, and corporations. Thank you for your continuing support and participation. Whenever the chamber needed help with an event space, sponsorship or an introduction – they have always stepped up.

As the Chamber transitions into its future leadership led by our new President Paul Hutchinson, I will continue to support the chamber in an advisory capacity.

For the last three years, it was an honour to work with Janice McGann, as our Consul General, Toronto and earlier this year, we welcomed her successor, Claire Fitzgibbon. Claire and her team are doing an outstanding job of supporting the Irish community in Toronto and beyond.

I would also like to thank the Government of Ireland for their support via the Emigrant Support Programme which has provided a reliable and consistent revenue stream that enables us to bring the Irish community together to create more valuable connections.

I feel proud of the Irish community in Toronto, which has been one of the most welcoming communities that I have been a part of.”

Learn more about the Irish Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto on their website, icccto.com.