Nial Ring
Nial Ring | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ballybough, Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation(s) | Public official, politician, former banker |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Known for | Lord Mayor of Dublin (2018–2019), Dublin City Councillor |
Nial Ring is an Irish public official and a councillor for Dublin city who held the position of Lord Mayor of Dublin from June 2018 until June 2019. Initially affiliated with Fianna Fáil, he now serves as an independent politician. Ring was first elected to represent Dublin North Inner City on the city council in 2009 and successfully retained his seat in the elections of 2014, 2019, and 2024.[1] His council responsibilities include membership on several committees such as the Central Area Committee, Finance SPC, Economic and Development SPC, Audit Committee, and Fóchoiste Gaeilge.[2]
Early life and business career
Originating from Ballybough,[3] Ring received his education at O'Connell School and earned an honours degree in Accounting and Finance from DCU, complemented by a diploma in financial law from University College Dublin.[4]
Ring’s banking career commenced in 1977 at Allied Irish Banks, with postings in Dublin, London, and New York. By 1984, he had advanced to associate director at AIB International Financial Services. In 1992, he established Barrick Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of mining company Barrick Gold located in the IFSC, where he acted as general manager until 1995. Later in the 1990s, he assumed the role of head of finance at Bankgesellschaft Berlin (Ireland), departing in 2001.[4] Between 1998 and 2009, he held a board position at IDA Ireland.[5]
Politics
The Irish Independent has characterized Ring as coming from a "staunch Fianna Fáil family," and he was closely allied with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. In the 2004 Dublin City Council election, he ran as a Fianna Fáil candidate and invested €28,000 of personal funds—the largest amount spent locally—but did not win a seat. After being omitted from Fianna Fáil’s candidate list in 2009, Ring departed from the party to stand as an independent candidate, motivated by opposition to party policies impacting medical cards for seniors. He secured election to Dublin City Council that year and maintained his position through subsequent elections in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
Ring’s election as Lord Mayor of Dublin in June 2018 underscored his sustained prominence within municipal governance.
Personal life
Ring is related as a grandnephew to Liam Ó Rinn, who translated Ireland’s national anthem into Irish. He possesses a deep passion for Irish history, particularly the events of the 1916 Easter Rising during which his grandfather and four great-uncles participated as members of the GPO Garrison. He holds an executive role within the 1916 Relatives Association and is recognized for conducting much of his official council work through the Irish language.
Married to Joyce, Ring is a father of four children. Additionally, he is an avid fan of Chelsea.
References
- ↑ Nial Ring www.electionsireland.org
- ↑ "Councillor details – Councillor Nial Ring". 12 April 2022.
- ↑ "New Managing Director for Greencastle Investments". Irish Independent. 23 March 2000. p. 51. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Nial Ring". Irish Independent. 2010-04-18. Retrieved 2025-04-24.
- ↑ "Dublin mayor's companies raised a lot of money but never struck gold". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2025-04-24.