Dominick Whelan has recently been elected Deputy National President of Junior Chamber International Ireland (JCI ), marking an important new chapter in a long-standing commitment to youth leadership, enterprise and community development.
His relationship with the commercial and community life of Galway through various enterprises and companies developed since he was a kid moving to Galway in 1999.
Dominick grew up in London and Galway, being exposed to the cultural and merchant background of both cities; his family’s businesses taught him the art of operations, and from a very young age, he was inspired to have his own business, having taken over Treebark Store in Moycullen in 2025.
Through JCI Ireland, Dominick will support young people who want to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and make a positive contribution to their communities.
Dominick’s work is rooted firmly in the Galway region. He is a board member of Youth Work Ireland Galway, where the development, inclusion and empowerment of young people remain central priorities. He also represents Galway City Community Network on a Strategic Policy Committee within Galway City Council. Strategic Policy Committees bring elected members together with community and sectoral representatives to help shape local policy.
As a community representative, Dominick contributes to discussions on the goals and issues that influence the future development of Galway City. This work reflects the importance of ensuring that local communities, voluntary organisations and young people have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their city. Galway City Community Network provides a collective voice for community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental organisations across the city.
Dominick’s international outlook was also evident in August, when Galway hosted global leaders, including JCI President Alejandra Castillo. Welcoming international visitors creates opportunities for Galway to share its strengths while learning from ideas and approaches being developed elsewhere.
Dominick Whelan’s leadership journey demonstrates the value of taking responsibility locally while thinking globally. His message is clear: if we want stronger communities and a more enterprising future, we must step up into leadership.
Junior Chamber International Galway is calling on young people aged 18 to 40 to step up into Leadership through our online platforms or meet us this Sunday 11th October 2026 at Galway City Volunteer Fair, Salthill Hotel, Galway City between 2pm and 5pm.
