Irish Priest Emerges as Key Figure in AI Ethics
Brendan McGuire, an Irish priest serving at St. Simon parish in Los Altos, California, has become a prominent advisor to leading AI companies. He contributed significantly to developing the ethics framework for Anthropic, the AI powerhouse. Father McGuire’s tech connections stem from his brothers: Cyril and John McGuire, who founded Trintech, an Irish payments firm that listed on Nasdaq and peaked at $4.5 billion valuation during the dotcom era. The company later dropped to $18 million before selling for $129 million to Spectrum Equity Investors.
Cyril built a second fortune through property development in Leopardstown and tech investments, while John runs WiLine Networks, a U.S.-based broadband firm. Another brother, Vivian, co-founded Allen, McGuire & Partners, a private equity firm that launched the career of Albert Manifold, former CRH CEO and current BP chairman.
Father McGuire moved to California in the 1980s post-college, starting a business translating software manuals into Japanese. He later led a major Silicon Valley industry group before entering the priesthood. In 2012, he completed a leadership program at Stanford alongside former Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen. His tech passion persists; he co-founded the Institute for Technology, Ethics and Culture, which released a 2023 handbook on ethics amid disruptive tech. Currently, he writes a book about a disillusioned monk and his AI companion, assisted by Anthropic’s Claude model.
Workvivo Founder Cruises in Luxury Supercar
Joe Lennon, co-founder of Cork-based Workvivo sold to Zoom for up to €250 million three years ago, now enjoys high-end rewards. The employee communications platform has expanded rapidly, partnering with Meta after it discontinued Workplace. Lennon and John Goulding secured over €40 million from investors like Tiger Global, Zoom’s Eric Yuan, and Frontline Ventures’ Will Prendergast prior to the sale. Goulding remains CEO, while Lennon indulges his passion for cars with a racing-green Aston Martin Vantage, priced up to €350,000 for top models.
Medtech Leader Backs Innovative Bleeding-Control Device
John Power, CEO of Aerogen—Ireland’s largest homegrown medtech firm—invests in Spiorad Medical, a Galway startup led by Judi O’Malley. The company developed a device that enhances outcomes in complex cardiovascular procedures by controlling bleeding. Power, former RSM European Entrepreneur of the Year and Connacht Rugby chair, transformed nebulizer tech at Aerogen, aiding aerosol drug delivery crucial during COVID-19. Singapore’s Temasek holds a minority stake, with IPO rumors on U.S. markets.
O’Malley brings expertise with an MSc from UCD Smurfit, IP law diploma, CIMA certification, and clinical measurement degree. Her career includes HSE, Blackrock Clinic, Abbott, and Johnson & Johnson roles.
Trader Builds Luxe Home in Donnybrook
Mark Feighery, ex-Virtu trader in Singapore and New York, now back in Ireland with a low-profile trading firm, constructs a lavish Donnybrook residence. Neighbors include ex-Flutter chairman Gary McGann and beef trader Gerry Purcell. The property features a golf simulator, music room, sauna, gym, putting green, and spa. Previously, he flipped a Mount Merrion house for €3 million; the new site cost €1.95 million.
Hirst Completes Artwork for McKillen’s French Estate
Artist Damien Hirst finalizes a chapel project at Paddy McKillen’s Château La Coste vineyard and sculpture park near Aix-en-Provence. A large bronze hand from Pangolin foundry in Gloucestershire forms part of the spire. The estate boasts works by Louise Bourgeois, Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Ai Weiwei, Tracey Emin, Sean Scully, Michael Stipe, and Bob Dylan. Rooms at Villa La Coste start at €975 nightly; wines available for €33 including delivery. McKillen recently won £700 million in arbitration against former Qatari partners over Maybourne Hotel Group.
Exec Oversees Google Payments Compliance
Dubliner Carin Bryans, ex-American Chamber president and Meta Facebook Payments chairperson, now leads Google Payment Ireland. The unit handles Google Play, YouTube Premium, AdSense, and wallet transactions, meeting bank-like regulatory standards. Her path: Rathgar High School, University of Texas, JP Morgan banking, and IFSC operations.
Geospatial Pioneer Shifts to New Venture
Alan Browne, 2022 EY Entrepreneur finalist, sold geospatial firm Korec—supplier of survey equipment—to Canadian Cansel last year. With €30 million sales and €2 million profits, the deal likely fell under €20 million. Browne now focuses on Soarvo, a geospatial data platform.
