Spain’s new man in the west

The self-styled Galway bin man whose book became a marketing bestseller has been named as the new honorary vice-consul of Spain for the west of Ireland

Oisin Browne, author of The Binman’s Guide to Selling’, was introduced at the official launch to mark both his official appointment and the opening of the new city-based Spanish consular office in the Spanish Institute on Dominick Street.

Galway City Mayor Donal Lyons and Galway County Council Cathaoirleach Mary Hoade attended the reception, and spoke about the strong cultural and trade links between Spain and the West of Ireland.

The occasion was very much a changing of the guard as Ann Tobin, who recently retired from the post after 17 years of service officially handed over the Spanish flag and the official title to the new vice consul Oisin Browne.

Ann was recently awarded the ‘Cruz de Oficial de la Orden de Isabella la Catolica’ by the King of Spain for her outstanding contribution to the Spanish in the west of Ireland.

Oisin commenced his role in March of this year and has been kept very busy. Already he has been involved in the restoration of The Spanish Armada plaque in Forthill cemetery, which was damaged in the storms late last year and has represented the Ambassador on a number of occasions at events throughout the city and county.

Galway is home to over 2000 Spanish residents who live and work here full-time. Some have established their own successful businesses.

“It’s a privilege to help the Spanish community in the west of Ireland that I have been part of for a long time. I look forward being of assistance to Spanish citizens who live here. I am very excited about this role,” he said.

Oisin is a member of the Irish Spanish Enterprise Association and noted the strong commercial links between the two countries citing the increase of imported wine, cheese and other goods.

A fluent Spanish speaker, he took his first Spanish class in 2003 and lives in Oranmore with his Spanish wife Eva, and their two children Mani and Alana who also attended the reception.

“The Spanish culture, language and everyday Spanish life is part of me now. One of my proudest moments was to officially stamp the papers that has enabled my children to obtain their Spanish passports,” he said.