Our leadership team

Sean O’Donnell is General Manager of Aurora Telecom, where he oversees strategic direction and commercial operations of Ireland’s national fibre optic network.

With over twenty years’ experience in telecoms and gas utilities, Sean has established Aurora Telecom as a leading provider of dark fibre backhaul. His educational foundation, combining a Masters in Project Management with a degree in Architecture, underpins his innovative and effective approach to the industry.

In his free time, Sean is actively involved with his two children. He enjoys swimming, walking and has a keen interest in GAA, particularly supporting his home county of Kerry.

Eimear Hickey is a Commercial Contracts Manager at Aurora with over 25 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Her career spans fibre design, infrastructure planning, project management and now commercial contract management, giving her a uniquely holistic view of both the technical and commercial sides of the business.

In her current role, Eimear leads contract negotiation, customer engagement, supplier tenders and key commercial initiatives that align Aurora Telecom’s legal, operational and growth strategies. She is known for her collaborative approach, her ability to navigate complex commercial landscapes and her deep industry insight.

In her spare time, Eimear is busy with her three kids, enjoys running, reading and also fully appreciates the joy of doing nothing when she gets the chance.
 

Phelim Dolan is an Operations Manager expert with circa 30 years of experience in telecommunications networks, team building, organisational development and business processes.

Phelim has experience in a wide range of roles in the ICT sector and has held a number of technical, business and project management positions. This experience supports Aurora Telecom's network strategy, customer solutions and helps develop tools to support its key business functions.

Phelim is currently working on internal transformational programmes enhancing business processes and systems. 
 
In his free time Phelim enjoys playing music, writing, rugby and attempting Master Chef style creations with his daughter.  
 

James Freeman is a Fibre Design Engineer with over 10 years’ experience delivering fibre optic infrastructure across Ireland. He currently works as a Fibre Design Manager at Aurora Telecom (Gas Networks Ireland), where he leads the planning and execution of national network roll-outs, supporting enterprise, public‑sector and wholesale connectivity.

Throughout his career, James has worked across the full project life-cycle; from feasibility and route planning through to construction, vendor management and customer delivery. He has played a key role in major projects including the Cork to Dublin fibre backbone and regional expansions in Galway, Mayo and North Dublin.

James holds a BE in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Dublin Institute of Technology, with a technical focus on fibre optics and communications systems. He combines strong technical expertise with clear stakeholder communication to deliver scalable and reliable network solutions.

Outside of work, he is a proud father of three, a keen long‑distance runner and a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, interests that help keep him balanced and motivated both professionally and personally.
 

John is the Head of Technical in Aurora Telecom with over 25 years experience in telecoms and procurement at a senior commercial level. 

He has held several senior roles across the telecoms industry including Director of Carrier Relations and Procurement, Head of Techncial Pre-sales and Third Party Procurement and Commercial Manager. He is now leading the technical strategy within Aurora Telecom.

John has an excellent industry knowledge of telecom products, strategic procurement, network designs, systems and customer relationship building. He specialises in developing technical and commercial strategies, large tender analysis and developing relationships with key decision makers at senior CXO levels within our industry.

In his free time, John enjoys travelling, keeping fit and has competed in HYROX events.