 |  | Mrs Hilary Park F.I.C.S.,
19 Aylesbury, Clonmacken,
Ennis Road, Limerick
Telephone + 353 (0) 61 326930
Mobile + 353 (0) 87 6566610
E-mail education@icsirishbranch.ie | | 
| History of the Irish Branch
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers was established in London by Royal Charter in 1911 and celebrates its centenary in 2011.
Membership was confined initially to British citizens but after the establishment of our State, Irish members continued to have entitlement to membership and were affiliated to London Branch.
With the development of membership here and the business and personal relationships established with UK members, it became clear that an Irish Branch would be of considerable advantage to us. Initial discussions took place during 1973 and clarification was required as to whether the Branch would be an 'All Ireland' or a ‘Republic of Ireland’ Branch. In the event, the Northern Ireland members opted to stay with London.
Final approval was achieved in 1974 and the inaugural meeting was held in the Clarence Hotel in Dublin on the 20th September 1974. Mr Albert Morris, past chairman of the Institute, and Mr John Parker, Secretary, attended at the election of the first Officers and committee who were as follows :
| Chairman |
Mr Ray Burke |
| Vice-Chairman |
Mr Eddie O'Regan |
| Hon.Secretary / Treasurer |
Mr Freddie Fewell |
| Committee Members |
Mr Stephen Clery |
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Mr John M. Dundon |
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Mr John Hannigan |
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Mr Bill Lynch |
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Mr Gordon McMillan |
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Mr Paddy Monahan |
A supplemental Charter was granted in 1984 which opened membership of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers to citizens of any nationality and this has enabled the Institute to develop internationally so that membership is the only internationally recognized shipping qualification.
The Irish Branch had a unique distinction in 2001 when Branch member Mr Gordon McMillan became the first Chairman of the Institute to be elected from outside the UK.
The cornerstone of our Branch, apart from liaising with Government Departments and others on behalf of the Industry, is in the development of education amongst the Irish Shipagency and Shipbroking community. Due to the voluntary and painstaking work of successive Education Secretaries, the Irish Branch continues to flourish.
In 2007, the Irish Branch took a further step towards self sufficiency when it was decided to manage our own finances, collect membership fees and in doing so, develop and maintain a closer liaison with members. On this occasion, we were happy to find our Northern friends willing to join with us so that it is now an 'All Ireland Branch'.
A click here will guide you to all past chairmen of the Irish Branch.
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