Nine Lives: The Reflections of a Dedicated Diplomat, by Donal Denham

In a career spanning 41 years in the Irish diplomatic service, Ambassador Dónal Denham has lived among nine very different societies, spanning three continents. With stops in Paris, Lusaka, Brussels, Washington DC, Geneva, Ottawa, San Francisco, Vilnius and Helsinki, Dónal has a few stories to tell. He opened two Irish embassies, served in all seven Irish Presidencies and had thought-provoking conversations with some fascinating people, including Ronald Reagan in the White House, Kenneth Kaunda in the State House and Mary Robinson in Áras an Uachtaráin.

With his life-long partner Siobhán at his side, Dónal served his country under many different guises to make its presence known in international settings and to offer the legendary Irish hospitality to fellow world citizens, and along the way made many enduring friendships. There were many challenges and some difficult decisions to be made, but much laughter too.

With a focus on funny incidents, happy moments and some achievements for Ireland Inc, Nine Lives is a refreshing and enjoyable read by a diplomat who thoroughly enjoyed his years as Ireland’s envoy.

About the Author

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Dónal joined the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in 1974. Since his retirement in 2015 he has acted as a mentor and consultant. He is a founder of three University of the Third Age (U3A) groups with over 450 members and has been a Board member of the European Movement. He recently resigned as Passport Appeals Officer, made under appointment by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.