Born in Dublin in 1966, Peter studied at St Louis National School, Synge Street CBS, Belvedere College & University College Dublin (BA and MA Honours degrees).
He lived in Australia and also worked with Bank of Ireland based in Dublin for three years before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs as Third Secretary in 1994.
His first assignment was to work on reconciliation-focused projects with the International Fund for Ireland. Since 1997 he has served internationally in Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore, as well as in a variety of posts in Ireland. From 2011 to 2014 he served as Deputy Consul General of Ireland in New York, with special responsibility for Economic and Public Affairs. Since August 2014, Peter has served as the first Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macau. Peter is married to Teresa, who is also from Dublin, and they have three daughters, Seána, Ciara and Aoife.
– What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A day with my family and friends in Ireland and finishing with me barbequing Kettyle beef and fresh shell fish for everyone!
– If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
Probably November 1995 when US President Clinton came to Ireland and the island was excited with the prospect of lasting peace.
– What’s your favorite book?
Ireland’s Imperial Mandarin on the life and work of Sir Robert Hart – written by my good friend Mark O’ Neill – and published by the Royal Asiatic Society. I was lucky enough to host the Hong Kong launch during the recent Irish Festival.
– And your favorite singer/ band?
The traditional Irish group named Irishtown (including uileann piper Blackie O’ Connell) & soloist Declan Carruthers who visited Macau recently for the Irish Festival. All brilliantly talented and they made a huge impact during their too brief visit. We look forward to welcoming them back again soon!
– Who is your hero?
In my role, I am fortunate enough to meet people who are doing amazing things for others, including some of my fellow countrymen and women who have devoted their lives to the people of Macau for generations. I have huge time for them, high regard for their work in education and social services, and immense gratitude that because of them, our small island nation is so highly thought of here and around the world.
– What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
Our six-year-old daughter Aoife, who without even trying to do so always makes me, her mother Teresa and her two sisters laugh and smile.
– If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A plate of delicious Irish Oysters from Harty’s of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, accompanied by a glass of Irish craft beer from Eight Degrees Brewing.
– If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?
Become a ‘Class Dad’ in my daughters’ school – my wife Teresa has been a ‘Class Mom’ forever and I’d love to play a more active role!
– What’s your favourite season or festival?
It has to be Chinese New Year, which is such great fun and gets everyone involved. I also love the Irish Festival during March, which this year in Macau included a St Patrick’s Day Parade, a Children’s Art Competition and a Treasure Ireland Hunt as well as showcases of Irish animation and crafts.
– What’s your favourite place in Macau?
I’m afraid I have a real soft spot for St Paul’s and its environs – I bring all of my visitors there and we are so honoured that for each of the last two years, Secretary Alexis Tam has arranged for the iconic ruins to ‘go green’ as part of the global greening of iconic buildings worldwide to mark St Patrick’s Day.