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Brendan Mac Reevy
PRESIDENT
I grew up in Dublin in the coastal suburb of Clontarf.
After graduating from the School of Architecture, UCD, I moved to Berlin where I worked for many years in several architectural practices as a project manager on commercial, industrial and healthcare projects.
In 2003 I relocated to Basel to join a large architectural firm. Ever since, my professional focus has been on projects for the life science sector.
Apart from that, I’m a family man who, among other things, enjoys outdoor activities, travel and good food.
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Marion Baechlin-Cunningham
VICE PRESIDENT
I was born and raised in Galway city where I attended Irish-speaking schools and graduated from UCG in English, French, Mathematics and a teaching Diploma. My love for literature led me to complete an MA on Irish women’s poetry with the Open University London in 2000.
I have lived and taught in several countries including France, the USA, Algeria (where I met my Swiss husband) and a 7-year stint in Indonesia returning to Basel in 1992 to teach English at FMS Basel for 23 years.
In my free time I attend Irish dance classes and have competed in Feiseanna Europe-wide. Jogging, reading , language-learning and travelling are further hobbies of mine.
Due to my strong interest in promoting Irish culture, I joined the Basel Irish Club in 2010 and my love for the Irish language motivated me to set up the Irish conversation group ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ in August 2021 which meets fortnightly on Tuesdays to chat in our beloved Gaeilge.
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Jim McKiernan
EVENT MANAGEMENT
I grew up in Dublin and have been living in Basel since 1992. I worked as a management consultant in the pharma industry with projects throughout the world and especially with several sites in Ireland. I enjoy exploring cultures, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
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Liam Maxwell
TREASURER
Originally from Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan, I studied at UCG before beginning my career with AIB in Dublin. In 2009, my wife Olivia and I moved to Basel, Switzerland, where I currently work in risk management at the Bank for International Settlements. A four-year stint in Hong Kong added some extra colour along the way. Outside of work, I’m a keen hiker, runner, and fan of all forms of football. Delighted to stay connected with the Irish community abroad.
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John O’Connor
SOCIAL MEDIA
I’ve been living in Basel with my Swiss partner, Maja, since retiring 10 years ago. I recently turned 73 and now have plenty of time to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures and connect with others. Before moving here, I spent 26 fulfilling years working in Ireland in Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation, a role that shaped my perspective on resilience and community. Joining the Basel Irish Club has been a wonderful way to stay connected to my Irish roots, meet new people, and share in the warmth and camaraderie that comes with being part of this vibrant group.