team

Gerry Rooney

- Managing Director
MSc HRD; NUIM Certificate in Training and Continuing Education; Member CIPD; Practicioner Member of the MII; Member IITD; Member Association for Conflict Resolution; FÁS registered trainer

Gerry set up Polaris HR in 2000, with Joe O’Mahoney. Prior to this, he worked for 3 years as Human Resource Officer in the Local Government Management Services Board (LGMSB), where he was Project Director for the country's first comprehensive partnership training and development programme, under the auspices of the Local Authority National Partnership Advisory Group (LANPAG). He has served 18 years as an Executive Branch officer in the Irish Naval Service (NS), being responsible for operational and management duties. When in the NS Gerry was training Manager for a number of years and was also a senior member of the HR team. While in the NS he also worked on a management team with Price Waterhouse consultants for a number of strategic and operational reviews of the Defence Forces and the Naval Service.

Gerry is an experienced and qualified Advanced Practicioner Mediator, A Certified Mediator with the MII where he is also a member of the MII Council.  Gerry is also and experienced investigator in allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment  and is an member of the Equality Authroity's National Panel of Equality Auditors. 

A keen sailor, fair weather golfer, and rugby critic, Gerry now lives in North County Dublin. 

Ray Flaherty

- Director
BA; Diploma in Business Studies; MSc in Organisation Development; Practicioner member of the MII; NUIM Certificate in Training and Continuing Education; Member of Irish Bankers Institute

Ray is a director of Polaris HR and is based in our Galway office. Ray holds a BA (Maths and English) from NUI Galway and an MSc in Organisational Behaviour from TCD. He is a qualified Mediator and a member of the Mediators Institute of Ireland. After many years operating as a senior HR practitioner with the Bank of Ireland Group, Ray formed People Services (Human Resource Consultancy) in 2001, which merged with Polaris HR in 2004. Ray has developed a comprehensive, professional and confidential service in the area of diversity management, equality and HR auditing, bullying and harassment in the workplace. He has conducted many investigations in some of the country’s leading organisations, in both the public and private sector. Ray is also a trained Mediator and is currently on the panel of Mediators with the new Private Residential Tenancies Board. Ray has been recommended by the Labour Relations Commissions for mediation and conflict resolution interventions.

Joe O’Mahoney

- Director
B.A. Applied Psychology; M.A. Occupational Psychology; Postgraduate Qualification in Occupational Psychology – BPS; M.B.A., Member PSI, BPS, CIPD

On graduating from college, Joe worked as HR & Training Officer and Employment & Benefits Manager with an Irish Commercial Semi-State. 10 years ago, he set up Associated HR Services, and has been working in HR and Psychological Consultancy with a range of clients since then. Joe has extensive experience of working with clients in a range of sectors on a number of employee assist programmes, stress management and training initiatives. He has lectured in Occupational & Organisational Psychology U.C.C., as well as in Management Processes and Functions, with the IPD. Joe is also an external Examiner with the CIPD 

Laura Barton

- Junior HR Consultant
BA Public and Social Policy; Postgraduate Degree Law (L.L.B)

Laura joined Polaris HR in August 2008 after completing a postgraduate degree in Law from the National University of Ireland, Galway, graduating with honours. Prior to this she achieved a BA in Public and Social Policy. During her time in college she developed a significant understanding of numerous areas of legislation. She undertook research into the effects that the law has on both the individual and society as a whole. In her final dissertation, she concentrated on the policy and legal measures required to bring about equality in the Irish legal system. As well as this, during her time at college she interned in Deloitte, Dublin, and while pursing her law degree she worked in an administrative role in the Galway Clinic, Hospital.

Geraldine Tierney

- Accounts Manager
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

Geraldine joined the Polaris HR team in June 2008. She is a qualified accountant (CPA) with many years experience working within the professional services sector. She brings with her a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise, which has been built up throughout her previous roles. Geraldine is also very adept at building excellent working relationships with both clients and suppliers alike, and she is looking forward to establishing such relationships working with Polaris HR.

Kate Cullen

- Receptionist/ Junior Administrator

Kate joined the Polaris HR team in July 2008 as office receptionist and administrator. She completed her Leaving Certificate in 2006 and she had many achievements throughout her schooling, including being presented with An Fáinne Óir for fluency in Irish. Kate is currently studying Irish Sign Language part-time at Trinity College, Dublin. Kate is an enthusiastic member of the Polaris HR team, and plays a key role in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day office activities.

Polaris HR also has close working relationships with a panel of professional, experienced associates, who support us in the delivery of a range of ongoing contracts.  Our Team of Associates include:

Tom Tuohy

Dave Hyland

Brendan Flanagan

Kate Quinlan

Anne McCarthy