Judges

Derek Anthony Brennan

The Institute of Strategic Risk Management (Ireland Chapter)

Derek Anthony Brennan is Dublin, Ireland, based and has been a security professional for over forty years.

He holds an Honours Law Degree (LL. B) Hons. A Masters in Strategic Management (MSc Strat. Mgt) Dist. Is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management and is certified in Security Supervision and Management by the IFPO. Derek is also acknowledged as expert in Crises Management, Hostage Management and Hostage Negotiation. Derek has devised, developed and co presented many security related security courses, including ‘Personal Safety when Dealing with the Public’. This course was developed for The Department of Justice in Ireland for Civil and Public Servants who were in front line positions. It had the imprimatur of the UNHCR with regard to the management of Asylum Seekers during the interview process. He holds the judicial office of Peace Commissioner.

Derek served in the Irish Prison Service for over thirty years. He served at every operational rank including Governor Class 1 in charge of Portlaoise High Security Prison and as Director of Regimes, where under his Directorship the Service received two Taoiseach’s Awards for Excellence in Service Delivery. Upon retirement from State Security Derek has been in demand as a consultant, including expert witness with regard to Security Policy and Procedures. He has been an advisor to Government Departments and undertaken a review of the penal system in a foreign jurisdiction and made recommendations with regard to the operation of the Security and Regime of the system. Durin the Papal visit to Ireland (2018) Derek was appointed as Civilian Director of Security for the Papal Mass in Knock Co. Mayo.

Derek continues to carry out risk assessments and audits for many organisations and develop security plans, for high profile persons and groups who visit Ireland. These have included world famous music Stars and prestigious Sports Teams.

Derek is committed to the continued professionalisation of the private security sector which is standards based and with globally acknowledged validation.

Daragh Bolton

The Institute of Strategic Risk Management (Ireland Chapter)

Daragh is a highly experienced security industry professional with 30+ years of expertise in corporate, physical, aviation, and healthcare security. Specializing in project management, physical security systems installations, training needs analysis, conflict management, CQC, and physical intervention, His leadership skills and collaborative approach have contributed to the successful execution of numerous security projects. Enthusiastic about process analysis & improvement, building teams, loss prevention, insider threat, development of individual and organisational capabilities to bring positive behavioural change and drive an enhanced security-awareness culture. As a panel judge, Daragh shares his knowledge and insights with aspiring professionals, making valuable contributions to the industry

Jayne King

Security Commonwealth (SyCOMM)

Jayne King joined the NHS in 1991 and has extensive experience in managing both in house and outsourced Healthcare Security Services. She is the Head of Security and Site Services at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, which is one of the largest and oldest hospitals in the UK. One of Jayne’s key priorities is the building of partnerships and community working within the security sector and the promotion of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy within the security industry.  Jayne is an Accredited Security Management Specialist (ASMS), a Fellow of the Security Institute (FSyI), President of the National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS) and the current Chair of the Security Commonwealth (SyCom).

Prior to her NHS career, Jayne spent 9 years in the Royal Air Force assigned to both National and NATO Forces.

Bob Martin JP CSyP FSyI

Security Commonwealth (SyCOMM)

A judge for the OSPA’s on a number of occasions in the past, Bob was awarded the accolade of being the UK’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2024, and was the very first person to be entered onto the Security Hall of Fame.

Bob has had an extensive career within the Security Profession, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the field, reshaping and elevating the standards of security practices. His commitment, expertise, and visionary leadership have not only propelled the industry forward but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence in their security endeavours. He is the epitome of visionary leadership in the diverse and complicated world of security management, and a worthy judge of the Irish OSPA awards.

Áine Mulcahy

Managing Director – Ireland, OCS

Áine has an MSc in professional sales and business management, a degree in social studies along with a range of executive and facilities management qualifications, as well as more than 20 years of experience in senior roles in Ireland and abroad.

Áine joined OCS in 2013 and today oversees the delivery of an annual turnover of over €100 million. Her friendly, personable approach is key to building lasting relationships with our customers and ensures we continue to meet their changing needs.

Áine’s stellar track record of building strong teams, providing strategic leadership and delivering exceptional results will be hugely advantageous in ensuring that customer satisfaction and compliance continue to be prioritised following the recent formation of OCS Group.

Outside of the office, Áine loves to attend a variety of music and sporting events, has a keen interest in history, and astronomy and is a big sci-fi fan, with favourite authors including Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert and Robert Heinlein.”

Peter Murray – Dip.Crim.F.Phych; CPO; Dip.Sec.ARM; MSecII T.T.

Security Institute of Ireland

Peter is a Director and Member of the Security Institute of Ireland. He has worked in the Irish Security Industry for over 25 years and is a time served member of the Irish Defence Forces Reserve. He has many years of experience working in the locksmith sector and is the owner and managing director of Stoptheburglar.ie & Design Out Crime Ireland.

His is presently creating a new initiative “Community Security Awareness” making use of the principles of CPTED & SCP. Involving the community with all security matters to enhance their daily lives with no financial outlay.

His qualifications include an SII Diploma in Crime Prevention, SII Terrorism Awareness and locksmith qualifications through the National Locksmith Training School (UK). Peter is currently the Chairman of the Locksmiths Working Group within the Corporate Division of the SII. Peter is also Accredited through the ICA Class B’ CPTED Practitioner. (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)

Paul Phillips

Security Systems & Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB)

Having trained as an electronics engineer, Paul worked for security equipment manufacturers from 1994 until joining BSIA in 2009, later becoming Technical Manager. He gained an MSc in Security and Risk Management in 2006. Paul began working for SSAIB in 2017, initially as compliance manager. He became SSAIB’s General Manager in 2022 with the responsibility of the day to day running of the company.

Along with development of codes of practice for various security topics, he has been involved in the development of British and European standards for electronic security systems since 2002. Paul currently chairs the group that develops the European standards for intruder alarm systems as well as the British Standards committee for electronic access control.

Roger Ringham

National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS)

Roger is Chair of the National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS). He is a Board Director of NAHS Limited (Companies House registration 13242341), and Chair of the South West Region Security Management Group (SWSMG).

In addition, Roger works as an Assistant Director in the NHS, where he is the Head of Service for Security and Fraud Experts (SAFE).

SAFE delivers specialist services including security management, counter-fraud and related training to: NHS organisations, Local Government Authorities and to the private sector. It is responsible for the protection of >30,000 employees at over 1,000 sites nationwide from the threat of physical harm and financial abuse.

Before joining the NHS, Roger served as a Police Officer and spent most of his time in a variety of investigative roles. Specialising in the investigation of major, serious, and complex crime.

In addition, he trained as an Authorised Firearms Officer. Working in V.I.P. Protection and engaged on Category ‘A’ escort duties (Transportation of High Value Targets).

Patrick Roche

International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO UK & Ireland)

I have 18 years retail security industry experience establishing managing and leading security teams. An advocate for security professionals educational and professional development through membership of professional security bodies. A member of the Security Institute of Ireland with whom I have completed an advanced Diploma in Asset Risk Management. I also hold membership with the International Foundation of Protection Officers (IFPO) and have attained both Certified Protection Officer (C.P.O) and Certified in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM) accreditation within this organization. I have also received an award from IFPO for my contribution to the security industry. Receiving the above accreditations and award spurred me on to complete a Masters Degree in Security Management and Intelligence from the University of Portsmouth. I received a distinction on my dissertation in regards to corporate security management in data centres in the UK and Ireland. I have a keen interest in security management, criminological theory and Intelligence and how affects policy and decision making.

Jason Shalloe

ASIS Ireland

Experienced Security Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Customer Service, Physical Security, Change Management, and Risk Assessment. Strong security and protective services professional graduated from Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Dr. David Strachan-Morris 

Security Institute of Ireland

Dr. David Strachan-Morris is a Lecturer in Intelligence and Security in the School of History, Politics and International Relations, and Programme Director of the MA DL Intelligence and Security at the University of Leicester, UK.  His educational qualifications include a BA (Hons) Degree in War Studies with Politics, and a PhD, both awarded by the University of Wolverhampton. Before becoming a full-time academic he worked in the private security sector as an intelligence analyst and intelligence manager, for 10 years, and served in both the army and the police force. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, a Member of the Security Institute of Ireland and a Board Member of the Europe Chapter of the International Association for Intelligence Education. His publications include: Spreading Ink Blots from Da Nang to the DMZ: An Analysis of the US Marine Corps Strategy in Vietnam, a monograph published by Helion in 2020; ‘Developing Theory on the Use of Intelligence by Non-State Actors: Five Case Studies on Insurgent Intelligence’, in Intelligence and National Security, Vol 34, No 7, December 2019; ‘The Use of Intelligence by Insurgent Groups: the North Vietnamese in the Second Indochina War as a Case Study’, in Intelligence and National Security, Vol 34, No 7, December 2019; ‘The Who, What, Why, and How of Teaching Intelligence: The Leicester Approach’ (co-authored with Mark Phythian and Helen Dexter), in Intelligence and National Security, Vol. 32, No. 7, June 2017.; ‘Controlling the Corporate Warrior in Iraq’ in Gary Schaub (ed.), Private Military and Security Contractors: Controlling the Corporate Warrior; ‘The Intelligence Cycle in the Corporate World: Bespoke or Off the Shelf’ in Mark Phythian (ed.), Understanding the Intelligence Cycle ; and ‘Threat and Risk: What is the Difference and Why Does it Matter?’ in Intelligence and National Security. His current research interests are strategic intelligence, military intelligence, and the role of intelligence in assessing risk and uncertainty.

Antonie Vasile

International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO UK & Ireland)

Antonie Vasile is a paragon of security management and customer service excellence. His educational background, spanning mechanical engineering, electrical systems, martial arts, and security management, underscores his diverse skill set.

His career began in the Romanian Ministry of National Defense and Internal Affairs, where he served as a Sergeant Instructor, undertaking high-stakes close protection roles for dignitaries. His ascent from a Security Officer to a Security Operation Manager at companies like Securitas, G4S, OCS, and United Drug PLC, highlights his expertise in managing complex security operations and developing comprehensive security policies.

Antonie’s professional prowess is further evidenced by his certifications as a Certified Protection Officer (CPO) and in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM). His role as a GDPR controller and expertise in Quality Management Systems demonstrate his adeptness in regulatory compliance.

A past recipient of the ISIA Award in 2018 for “Security Manager of the Year,” Antonie’s recent achievement as the winner of the 2023 OSPA for Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director cements his status as a leading figure in the industry. His involvement in various security associations and seminars reflects his commitment to the field’s advancement.

As a judge for the Irish OSPAs, Antonie brings a wealth of experience, deep understanding of security dynamics, and a proven track record of excellence, making him an invaluable asset in recognising and celebrating the industry’s best talents.

John Walsh

ASIS Ireland

John is a  am an experienced security and investigation executive with extensive military law enforcement and corporate security experience. Following 30 years’ experience I am a results-oriented, seasoned professional, with sound decision making skills, and an impeccable work ethic. I am an energetic & articulate leader.

Sean Ward

Emergency Management Institute Ireland (EMII)

Sean is a former Chief Superintendent in An Garda Síochána (Ireland’s Police Service) with over 35 years’ service based in Dublin City Centre where he had overall responsibility for the leadership, management and delivery of a comprehensive policing service to a wide range of diverse stakeholders including major event management , crime detection and prevention , safety and security planning and management ,risk management, strategy, planning, governance, staff training and development , and emergency planning.

He is the current Chairperson of the Emergency Management Institute of Ireland (EMII) which is the professional organisation for individuals engaged in emergency and crisis management in the Republic of Ireland.

As the Owner and Managing Director of 4Ward Planning since 2019, Sean has developed a comprehensive consultancy service in Emergency Planning and Emergency Management, Evacuation Planning and Event Safety, Security and Risk Management.