Rural campaigner Seamus Boland appointed chairperson of Pobal

Seamus Boland, the CEO of the Moate-based Irish Rural Link organisation, has been appointed by the Government as the new chairperson of the social inclusion agency Pobal. This unpaid role is in addition to Mr Boland's work with Irish Rural Link, which continues. A native of Ballycumber, Co Offaly, Mr Boland will take over as chairperson from Professor Tommy Cooke who retired last month. Mr Boland has been a member of the Pobal Board since 2009. He holds a degree in Rural and Community Development from NUI Maynooth and has extensive experience at senor level in both a professional and voluntary capacity in the Community Sector. His roles have included Manager of Tullamore Traveller Workshop, Shannon Banks Traveller Workshop and Regional Director of the Midland Regional Youth Service. He has been Chief Executive Officer of Irish Rural Link since 2001.