Patricia Friel

Patricia Friel is a natural-born storyteller with a wealth of experience in presenting the vital work of Mary’s Meals to audiences across Ireland and beyond. In her role as Executive Director of Mary’s Meals Ireland, she is at the helm of growing and strengthening Mary’s Meals across the Republic’s 26 counties, as well as being the primary spokesperson for the organisation nationally. 

Patricia’s inspiring journey with Mary’s Meals began as a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser in 2013. She also served on the Mary’s Meals Ireland board prior to becoming Executive Director in 2020. Her charisma, humour, faith, experience, and leadership qualities make her an entertaining and thought-provoking speaker for any engagement. 

Patricia has decades of experience in people management, organisational growth, and leadership, while being equipped to talk passionately about the mission and vision of Mary’s Meals by drawing on her visits to communities involved in the Mary’s Meals school feeding programme. Her personal accounts about the impact of our work, her devout faith, and her unwavering belief that every child should be able to eat a meal at school never fail to resonate with audiences. 

Originally from Donegal, Patricia balances her work with Mary’s Meals with helping her husband Joseph on their dairy farm in Cavan.