B&F’s Michael Barry made Honorary Mexican Consul
Acting on behalf of the Mexican government, His Excellency Ambassador Carlos Garcia de Alba, installed the Corkman at an investiture ceremony at Hayfield Manor, Cork, recently.
B&F also distributes the iconic Mexican Beer Corona Extra and Corona Light and is a serial award-winner for excellent business practices and achievements and Michael is also a finalist in the industry category in the upcoming Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. He will take up the honorary position with immediate effect and was selected, according to Ambassador Garcia de Alba, “due to his important and enduring involvement in the development of a better understanding of Mexico and its unique culture in Ireland, his astute business head and considerable social nous”.
The Ambassador added, “It is my pleasure to entrust him with the mission to represent Mexico in the Cork and Kerry region, performing consular work and acting as an important link between the Mexican people and local institutions and business while representing the consular section of the Mexican Embassy at events and public functions. Basically, he will help provide information and assistance to Mexican businesses and Mexican nationals who may run into difficulties on their arrival in Ireland. He will be the interface between the Mexican consulate through the Mexican Embassy and Mexican citizens who reside in or visit the region. The Honorary Consul’s office will be located at Barry & Fitzwilliam’s premises at Ballycurreen Industrial Estate, Kinsale Road, Cork”.
Those in attendance at the Investiture Ceremony included The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Emmet O’Halloran, Honourary Consul of Brazil Ms Frances Lynch, Honorary Consul of Hungary Mr John Miller, Honorary Consul of Denmark Freddy Pedersen, the President of Cork Business Association Tom Durcan, Brigadier General Derry Fitzgerald from Collins Barracks and Captain Robert Scarrott of the Irish Navy as well as leading members of several organisations involved with community and business within the region.
Michael was accompanied by his wife Kathleen, daughter Kate and sons Rory and Michael Jnr and he was surrounded by several members of his extended family and close friends from all walks of life.
“This is a great honour for me, my family, my colleagues and our many supporters throughout the years,” he stated, “Barry & Fitzwilliam is celebrating 30 years in business this year and I am delighted to accept this great honour. Corona Extra has been the cornerstone of our business and we are now indirectly ‘giving back’ to the people of Mexico and Ireland by fostering better relations between our two countries through this voluntary role.”
