Meet The Board Member: Richard Clarke, National Membership Officer

Hi, I'm Richard, your National Membership Officer.

Day to day, I work in the family business started by my grandad, who opened a paint and decorating shop in our town over 55 years ago. After university, I expanded the business and launched our online paint store. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, relaxing in the caravan or supporting my daughter in her boxing.

After settling down, getting married and starting a family, I found myself looking for something more. I wanted to meet new people, challenge myself and be part of something bigger. When Armagh Round Table hosted a membership night in 2014, it gave me exactly that opportunity.

My connection to Round Table actually began long before I joined. Growing up, I watched my dad serve as Chairman of Armagh Round Table 302 and later as Area 52 Chairman. Even then, I could see the friendships, opportunities and sense of purpose that Table offered.

Finding My Place in Table

For years, my focus was entirely on my local Table. At the time, Round Table in Ireland was small, with only two active clubs, and very little interaction with the wider organisation. My first experience of another Table wasn’t until Dublin’s recharter celebration in 2019.

Through honest conversations and a determination not to let Table disappear from our community, we chose to rebuild.

That same year, the first RTBI Workshop came to Ireland. All Irish Tables attended, listened, learned and left inspired. It gave us the knowledge, confidence and belief that growth was possible. That weekend became the catalyst for Armagh’s revival — and for the wider growth of Round Table across Ireland.

Growing Round Table in Ireland

With renewed energy, we began exploring opportunities to establish new Tables. Not every attempt succeeded, our first effort in Lurgan in 2024 didn’t take off, but it taught us valuable lessons.

Soon after, Belfast Round Table was successfully established, and one of our members relocated and founded Causeway Coast Round Table. We also strengthened the organisation by creating a new Area structure, bringing three Areas together and building a culture of support and collaboration.

When I joined Round Table, Ireland had just two active Tables. Today, we have eight - with more on the way.

Stepping Up Nationally

In 2025, I was honoured to be recognised as Tabler of the Year, a moment I’ll never forget. It reflected not just my work, but the incredible people I’ve met and the teamwork that has driven Ireland’s growth.

Personally, the transformation has been huge. I went from a Tabler who had never met anyone outside Armagh to someone helping grow the organisation nationally, attending my first national events and building friendships across the country. Every experience taught me something new and inspired me to stand for National Membership Officer.

Looking Ahead

Today, it’s a privilege to support Tables across the organisation. The lessons, friendships and opportunities that Round Table has given me have shaped who I am. I’m excited to continue helping others experience the same journey as we work together to grow membership and secure an even stronger future for Round Table in Ireland.