Woman of the Year accolade for Cavan lady in Los Angeles

She took up the role of Consul General in LA in 2021.

Cavan woman and the Irish Consul General in Los Angeles for South Western United States, Marcella Smyth, has been voted Irish Woman of the Year 2025 and honoured at the 'Irish Civic Day' held in Los Angeles at the end of last month.

The event, facilitated by Los Angeles City Council member for the 15th District, Tim McOsker, was held at the Los Angeles City Hall in Van Nuys.

Ms Smyth, from the townland of Corwin in Mountnugent, took up the role of Consul General in LA in 2021. Before that Ms Smyth, who holds a BA in social science as well as a Masters in Social Policy and a Masters in Strategic Studies, served as Deputy Director for International Security Policy in Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, working on UN Security Council issues such as UN peacekeeping, and protection of civilians.

She was also posted to Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union where she served as press spokesperson.

In honouring Ms Smyth, the Irish community in South Western United States recognised how, after she arrived in LA as Consul General, she immediately immersed herself in “putting together a plan” to engage with all the Irish Diaspora.

“Her outstanding work in the community of Irish and Irish Americans has been without equal.”