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Staff
Portico has a lot of volunteers but we also rely on our staff to keep everything running behind the scenes.
Prof Neil McClure - Interim Manager (Hon)
Neil has been at the heart of Portico’s story from the very beginning. As the driving force behind the transformation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church into the Portico of Ards, he helped turn a much‑loved local building into the vibrant Arts and Heritage Centre the community knows today. In 2007, he brought together five fellow congregation members to establish the charity that would eventually become Portico of Ards Ltd, and through their collective effort raised an extraordinary £1.6m. Neil then oversaw the restoration of the church in 2014–2015 and its reopening in 2016 as a space for music, culture and shared community experiences.
Over the years, Neil has played a pivotal strategic role as Chair of the Board, guiding Portico through growth, challenges and its emergence as a cultural landmark. He has now stepped aside from the Board to take on the role of Interim Manager in an honorary capacity.
Portico is currently going through an important period of transition to ensure it continues to serve the community in the best possible way. Neil’s leadership during this phase is fully supported by the Board, and his deep knowledge of Portico’s history and purpose makes this a natural moment for him to lead an in‑depth review of how the organisation works and to help shape the changes that will set Portico up confidently for its next decade.
Seán Gallagher - Assistant to the Manager
Seán graduated from the Technological University Dublin with a degree in Performing Arts, 2012. Since then, he has worked in Arts Venues across Ireland, from remote centres on the Aran Islands to city centre venues in Belfast and Sligo. During this time, he has held every role from performer to technician, box office to director. Sean has joined the team as a consultant to help with the internal review designed to set up Portico for even greater success in the years to come.
For Sean, growing up in a rural community, access to the arts felt very limited and as a budding young artist he often felt left behind, which inspired him to commit to making the arts accessible for all, no matter their background, experience or location. He is a big believer in the simple idea that art is a universal language that can bring people together. Sean’s home town gained an Arts Centre in 2008 and the access and opportunities it has provided cannot be understated – he believes that Portico has filled this role for the people of Portaferry and the Ards peninsula and is honoured to be given this opportunity to help develop and improve this vital community resource.
Mary Braniff - Administrative Assistant (p/t)
Mary joined Portico in March 2026 as our Administrative Assistant (p/t). Her role is primarily to assist the Portico manager in the efficient and safe running of Portico, producing and maintaining documentation, databases and systems that help us offer great customer service and support excellent governance.
A native of the Ards peninsula, Mary has worked in several different roles including Senior Credit Executive for Diageo Ireland, Sales Assistant for Olympic Fixings Ireland & at local boarding kennels. Mary is an avid animal lover and supporter of Assisi Animal Sanctuary, collecting towels, jumpers and toy donations every winter to help in the cold & wet winter months. Welcoming her own little Yorkshire Terrier rescue in 2015 (who is the Master of side eye and snack theft), and never looking back.
Craig Jackson - Technical Director (Freelance)
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Craig is Technical Manager in the Sonic Arts Research Centre at Queens University, Belfast. He has a keen interest in sound design and interactive sonic installations and manages both the Soundscape Park Project and the NI Hospice Sonic Gardens, two interactive permanent sound installations in Belfast.
Aside from managing the extensive studio facilities at SARC, including the Sonic Laboratory (3D sound for the ear), Craig coordinates the technical requirements for events, festivals and projects within SARC and the wider School.
Craig is a keen sound engineer and has experience in both live and recording environments including large-scale concerts and installations. He has been Technical Director for the Sonorities Festival since 2013 and spends his free time being Technical Director for Portico.
David Denvir - Caretaker (p/t)
Davy looks after the day to day cleaning, maintenance and security of Portico. Unfortunately for him, but brilliantly for us, he also lives three doors away so is the first port of call when the alarm goes off!
Davy has been in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for over 50 years and is currently Watch Commander at Portaferry. He has received industry awards as well as a British Empire Medal for his services to fire safety.