With the Bachelor of Arts at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), you can go anywhere. Running for over 25 years, this undergraduate degree offers students the choice of 13 subjects with graduates pursuing a variety of career paths
One of those graduates is Co. Clare native, Mark Dunphy, who launched his new business at the start of March. Dunphy Communications is a media communications agency that aims to assist clients to identify and develop their brand.
Mark studied Media and Communication Studies and History at MIC and says his degree has been instrumental in giving him the opportunity to initially source employment as a journalist and later, a PR Consultant.
“The refreshing and interactive way in which Dr Rosemary Day (Head of Department of Media and Communication Studies) managed the programme really reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in the media sector.”
Following his graduation, Mark began his professional career as a journalist in Clare FM where he was appointed Head of News and Current Affairs in 2005. A year later, Mark established Dunphy Public Relations (DPR) and clients included Clare County Council, Limerick City and County Council, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Mid-West Regional Authority, The Armada Hotel, Clare Tourism, and many more. One of Mark's career highlights during this time included the visit of Muhammad Ali to Ennis and the opening of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.
During this time, Mark also established and oversaw the operation of two online businesses, namely The Clare Herald and Irish Weather Online, both of which were subsequently sold. In 2016, Mark was appointed Head of Communications for Clare County Council before departing that role earlier this year to set up Dunphy Communications. During his time at Clare County Council, Mark coordinated communications strategies for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Lahinch, and much more.
Recalling his time at MIC, Mark says: “I can say without fear or contradiction that some of my best memories come from my four years there. Studying was made easier with the support from Dr Rosemary Day and former MIC history lecturer, Dr Liam Irwin, who were always on hand to advise when needed.”
He added: “From working in Wired FM to playing Sigerson Cup football with the College and captaining the College soccer team, I just loved my time at MIC. There was a real community vibe in the College which made the experience all the more enjoyable."
One of the first campaigns that Dunphy Communications has worked on is the #MidWestTogether campaign, of which MIC is also a partner organisation. Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Limerick Institute of Technology, HSE, HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare, UL Hospitals, An Garda Síochána, Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council are all working together on this campaign to promote the key public health messages from the HSE, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Department of Health during the current COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis.
Follow #MidWestTogether on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For public health advice on COVID-19 Coronavirus, please click here.
