Pauline O’Brien Paul and Pauline became friends some 25 years ago. Like most expats – your friends become your family and it has been no different for these two same named Dubliners. Paul and Pauline have worked on many projects/events together through the Irish community in the Netherlands. In 2009 they worked in conjunction with the Dublin Port Company and residents of the East Wall of Dublin on the book and double CD project ‘Songs from the North Lotts’.  Initially Pauline offered to ‘lend a hand’ – she has since become the ‘right hand’ and is involved in all the research, planning and logistics of Paul’s musical endeavours. Pauline feels being involved in these projects keeps her closely connected to her roots. Pauline was born in Coventry, UK to Irish parents from Crumlin who returned to Dublin when Pauline was four years old. Pauline went to primary school and secondary school on the Northside of Dublin before setting off for a gap year. This gap year was slightly extended as Pauline made the Netherlands her base where she continued her initial studies in the Dutch language in Management, Marketing and PR. Some 25 years later, the Netherlands remains Pauline’s home. Pauline’s love for music and dance shone through at school where she was always to be seen on the stage, taking part in competitions or presentations. As part of a folk choir, she sang at mass every Sunday and many a wedding in the 80’s. Pauline often sang in The Shillelagh in The Hague back in 1987/1988.  Always interested in internationalism, Pauline has travelled extensively through work and pleasure and has visited many parts of the globe. As a professional congress organiser, Pauline is no stranger to organising events, no matter how big or small and has done this extensively worldwide. Pauline has also experience in managing International teams of all cultures and nationalities.

Pauline O’Brien in Belfast photograph © Paul O’Brien