Celebrating Culture, Community and Learning at Griffith College

On 8th October 2025, our MSc in Accounting and Finance learners had the opportunity to hear from Julia Dalton, Operations Director of the St Patrick’s Festival, a world-renowned event that draws over half a million attendees annually.

Julia offered a fascinating look into the behind-the-scenes of the festival, sharing her experience balancing logistics, creativity, and leadership, all while championing values like community, diversity, joy, and sustainability.

As a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, all funding and income received is reinvested in creating the festival. By supporting St. Patrick’s Festival, you are supporting Ireland’s arts, culture, and live event industry.

“I absolutely love what I do, I would say I am more passionate about it now, even more so than when I first started”, said Julia about working for St. Patrick’s Festival.

As one of the biggest festivals in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Festival leads by example. The festival team is made up of many of Ireland’s most experienced professional artists, arts workers, creatives and live events workers. It serves as an unforgettable opportunity for people of all backgrounds, nationalities, ages and interests to come together and celebrate Irishness in all its forms.

The Graduate Business School prides itself on connecting learners with industry professionals,” said Suzanne Burdis, Programme Director. “Julia’s insights are not only informative but truly inspiring.”

A huge thank you to Julia and the entire St Patrick's Festival team for inspiring the next generation of business professionals!