Cavan woman departs LA for Riga

Cavan woman Marcella Smyth has departed her role as Consul General in Los Angeles to take up position as Irish Ambassador to Latvia.

Ms Smyth, from the townland of Corwin in Mountnugent, moves having completed her four year posting in southern California. The changes were announced last year, and as with others, the new appointees have been taking up their assigned duties throughout 2025.

Ms Smyth served as Consul General in LA since 2021.

Earlier this year she was voted Irish Woman of the Year, and honoured at the 'Irish Civic Day'.

Before LA Ms Smyth served as Deputy Director for International Security Policy in Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, working on UN Security Council issues such as UN peacekeeping, and protection of civilians.

She was also previously posted to Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU where she served as press spokesperson; and with Ireland’s Embassy to Belgium as Deputy Head of Mission and then as Chargé d’Affaires.

Her work within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also seen in her in the roles of Deputy Director, Programme Countries, Development Cooperation Division, and as Deputy Head of Mission to Ireland’s Embassy to Canada; combining this work with her role as lecturer on social policy in the Institute of Public Administration.

Ms Smyth's move to Riga was sanctioned by then Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin.

He said at the time: “I know that those nominated as Ambassadors will represent Ireland with great distinction as they work to support Irish citizens and to advance Ireland’s interests and values around the world.”

Ireland’s diplomatic network comprises 100 missions across the world. To date, under the Global Ireland Strategy, 22 new missions have opened.

Another Cavan woman, Sonya McGuinness from Maghera, continues in her role as Irish Ambassador to Israel. She previously served as ambassador to Turkey.