Who We Are | IRL Group

Our Expertise

Investment, Partnerships and Management in the Construction, Hospitality & Real Estate industries.

Our Commitment to Results

Having built our own companies from scratch, we are familiar with the hard work required to succeed and are committed to and prepared to create new opportunities with the right partnerships.

Our Philosophy

We are committed to the culture in everything that we do. We want to create opportunity and experience based on shared values, to explore our potential network and to ensure that we are always giving back.

Our Experience

Bringing back a genuine and immersive experience for the locals and for new immigrants abroad, by creating spaces, networks and employment opportunities. Our goal has always been to put people first and we continue to reflect that in the warm, inviting and simply fun entities that we have and will continue to establish.

Laura & William Donnellan

Founders of IRL Group

Laura & William Donnellan are originally from Galway Ireland and ventured on to Vancouver in 2009, where their 6 month working holiday visa quickly turned into a decade of adventure and success, here in beautiful British Columbia.

IRL Construction Ltd. was the first company they founded within only a few short years of moving to Canada. William had owned his own construction company in his early 20's back in Ireland and utilized his trade as a carpenter to build the enterprise from the ground up. Likewise, the pubs that were soon to follow, were also built by Laura, William and their hard-working IRL team.

Laura is the HR Business Partner, who had primarily been handling the logistics of the construction business, leading the company to multiple awards & acheivements, including Best Immigrant Employers. They now have over 150 employees on their roster, full time. As their construction division expanded, Laura navigated towards her natural inclination for all things creative, by managing the interior design behind all of their pubs.

Both have proudly established multiple companies across Canada and have continued to grow their portfolio in Canada and internationally.

Meet Our Team

Learn more about the talented individuals who drive the success of IRL Group.

IRL Advisory Board

James D. Vilvang

James has been a distinguished and recognized trial lawyer for over 40 years and is highly regarded by all sectors of the bar for his work ethic, insight, and love of the legal profession.

IRL Advisory Board

Deb Paulsen

Deb is a seasoned professional and devoted employee advocate with lots of experience leveraging HR and operations to develop winning teams. She has built multiple market leading organizations and effective strategies that support and sustain business growth.

IRL Advisory Board

Stan W. Lee

With over 35 years of public practice experience, Stan has extensive experience with owner managed businesses & expertise in research & development tax incentives & government funding. Stan has written numerous business articles including articles for the Vancouver Sun.

Director of Operations

Aaron Lacey

IRL Group has 3 things; People, Passion & Variety. We are so lucky that we get to work with such dedicated, hard working and fun people. 'Do what you love, and love what you do' is evident here! No one day is the same, working here will definitely see you develop skills you may never have thought you needed before!

Through Summer I'll be on the Hurling field, camping, paddle boarding, riding my motorcycle or at the golf course. In the Winter you will most likely find me skiing or enjoying a beverage with friends in our local pubs!

VP of Construction

Mike Roche

The scope of the projects that IRL takes on means that no two days are ever the same. This diversity keeps me engaged, while also presenting me with new challenges and opportunities for continued growth in my field.

Outside of work I'll be spending time with my family. I am a proud dad of 2 boys, and bike rides through Vancouver’s beautiful trails are top of the list at the moment.

Financial Controller

Cora Penaflorida

Accounting is an important aspect of every business. I love numbers and this is what I love to do. Although the principles are the same in general, it is very interesting that there is variety in every business. This is why I love being an Accountant, you will never run out of things to do daily, weekly, monthly, annually.

Outside of work, I love cooking and trying out new recipes. I have built my own recipe portfolio to pass on to my children. When I am not in the kitchen, I love to go for walks and reading to learn new things.

Accounting Assistant

Naibhla Neary

I am delighted to say I am part of the IRL Group which is like a big family. We all help each other out and always have a laugh together. The group is constantly expanding which means we're always learning more, whilst meeting new friends along the way.

While not working, I am normally with my friends playing football, going on hikes and travelling around to visit new places.

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Marketing Coordinator

Aaron O'Brien

You might be in Vancouver but at IRL home is never too far away. You'll find the Irish working all over the world but as a newcomer to both Canada and IRL, it helps having a familiar accent to get settled in a new place.

Outside of work, You can catch me by the beach, winter or summer it doesn't matter!

HR & Payroll Assistant

Gabriela Chinarelli

I have loved IRL since day one! The people are incredibly friendly, kind and generous. I am lucky enough to work with an amazing team in an Office with an amazing view!

In my free time you can find me exploring Vancouver with my husband and making memories with friends. No matter the season you will find me close to the Sea! I love travelling , discovering new places and meeting new people.

Operations Assistant

Grainne Fitzgerald

IRL has given me the opportunity to be creative and put my passions into use; marketing and events. It's always exciting to collaborate and generate new ideas with the team. The culture at IRL means we have the freedom to share our thoughts and support each other with whatever we're working on that week.

When I’m not at the office, I’ll usually be discovering somewhere new. Whistler has been the highlight for me so far, definitely one for the bucket list!

Executive Assistant

Ciara Flood

I love how committed IRL Group is to their customers and employees. They have honed their abilities on creating positive working relationships and they truly stick to their values of Integrity, Reliability and Loyalty.

In my spare time I love being in the outdoors, whether it is cycling along the Sea Wall, camping in the mountains or skiing in Whistler, I love it!

Accounts Payable Clerk

Daniel Larkin

Right from the start of my journey with IRL Group I have been made to feel at home and it is great to be able to utilize my skills on their behalf. The sense of community William & Laura have built around the company and the city can be seen everyday be it in the office, the pubs or beyond. Contributing to this is a huge motivator for me everyday.

Outside of work you'll usually find me watching any and all kinds of sport, up on a mountain snowboarding and socialising with friends around the city or elsewhere!

General Manager of Smith's & Donnellan's

Tom Young

I've known Willie and Laura since arriving in Vancouver in 2014. They're a major part of the Irish community & I jumped on the opportunity to work with them in an amazing location in Gastown.

I enjoy spending time with my wife when I'm off and having some social time with friends!

Executive Chef

Nef Villenueva

I love IRL for the people and comradery. No one is afraid to get hands dirty from from top to bottom - everyone gets stuck in no matter what! No one person is better than the rest. It's a proper team/family in and outside of work.

I enjoy being beside the water as I've always lived beside water and nature. I have a massive love for all things rugby and MMA, but my favorite thing to do is develop new recipes and dishes.

General Manager of Shamrock Bar

David Hynes

I have worked in the hospitality industry all my life. Starting back in my hometown, Galway and now in here in Vancouver. I love every minute of it and it never feels like 'work'.

Joining IRL has been such a great experience and has opened so many doors professionally and personally. Being part of such a great supportive group that keeps growing everyday has been a blessing.

In my spare time I love to run, play the drums and watch a lot of sports.

General Manager of Hynes' Irish Pub & Shamrock Storehouse

Jack Dobson

I've worked with IRL Group for a few years now and have worked my way up from bartender to General Manager. I love the people in Vancouver and the Irish community, especially in Kitsilano where Hynes' is located.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling and meeting up with friends.

Project Coordinator

Bibi Perez

I am passionate about design and construction, and I truly enjoy being part of project development. Working at IRL gives me the opportunity to contribute to a wide variety of projects while also being part of a great family. From day one, I felt warmly welcomed and genuinely appreciated.

I am interested in the arts in all their forms, so I enjoy dancing, attending music concerts, and visiting museums. I also love hiking, staying active through exercise, and spending time reading.

Our Expertise

Our Commitment to Results

Our Philosophy

Our Experience

Meet Our Team

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