ORGANISING TEAM - BIOS

Helena previously studied a BA in Law, with History, Anthropology, and Archaeology as her undergraduate degree at one of Spain’s oldest universities, the Complutense University of Madrid. She is multilingual and also studied translation at London City University and the Catholic University of Paris (Institut Catholique de Paris - ICP), founded in 1875 and the inheritor of the Medieval Liberal Arts Colleges and lies in the tradition of the Sorbonne, the oldest academic institution in France. In addition, Helena holds Diploma in Jungian Psychology from Ireland’s official Jung Centre in Dublin and has a certificate in psychospiritual counselling, also training in Archetypal Psychology with Laurence Hillman. Read more about Helena’s academic background here.

As part of her Master of Arts (MA) in Public History and Cultural Heritage with the University of Limerick (2025), Helena completed an internship at Waterford Medieval Museum. Her last book, Loftus – The Hall of Dreams, featured by the Irish Times and Amazon bestseller in Occultism and Freemasonry, weaves Gothic storytelling with meticulous historical and psychical research to explore Ireland’s most haunted house, its Templar and Masonic links, ley lines, and geomantic resonance.

Working in medieval history (including Norse), symbolism, and spirituality—specialising in the Knights Templar, Gnosticism, and Freemasonry—Helena has lectured widely, including at the London College of Psychic Studies and in Ireland locally as well as across Europe and Canada. Trained in Jungian, archetypal, and depth psychology, she brings her background in archetypal psychology to her historical work, enriching her perspectives on myth, magic, and memory. Her unique approach blends archaeology, esoteric tradition, oral history, linguistics, and psychospiritual insight—bridging scholarship with mystery and restoring forgotten stories to life.

Helena is a member of various associations, including the Egypt Exploration Society (est. 1882), the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA), the World Association of International Studies (WAIS), and the Irish Writers Union.

Born in 1952 near Clones, Co. Monaghan, Brendan Rohan distinguished himself early as Limerick’s Best Scout of the Year in 1968. His military career began in the FCA and progressed rapidly in the Irish Defence Forces, where he excelled as a marksman, instructor, and innovator—designing the Defence Forces Parachute Wings at just 19 and developing survival and military pentathlon programs. Despite facing institutional obstacles and taking a successful High Court action, he rose to senior officer rank before resigning in 1992.

After transitioning to civilian life, he established, built, and managed a highly successful tourist accommodation business on the Northwest coast of Donegal for nearly 30 years, until selling it in 2019 following an “inoperable cancer” diagnosis. A lifelong adventurer, he has completed multiple motorbike tours across Europe, sailed single-handed around Ireland three times, and fulfilled a long-held ambition by retracing Saint Brendan’s legendary 6th-century transatlantic route from Brandon Creek in Kerry via the Canary Islands to the Americas. He holds a Private Pilot’s Licence, Open Water SCUBA certification, and a GMDSS (International Ships Radio Operator’s) licence, and has flown single-engine aircraft in Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Deeply committed to mountaineering and outdoor education, he completed a two-year Diploma in Outdoor Education specialising in Mountain Leadership and was the sole successful candidate of 25 on an 18-month Walking Group Leader Course.

His passion for the natural world has also driven active conservation work, including participating in Greenpeace Save Our Seas flotillas in 1994 and 2002. Equally devoted to community and education, he co-founded and trained a Scout group in Dunfanaghy in 2014 and has been involved in Scouting ever since. Since 1986, he has been a student at a School of Practical Philosophy, tutoring for 12 years, leading meditation and philosophy classes, and giving motivational talks to young adults in Derry, Northern Ireland, including those affected by imprisonment or substance addiction.

A committed writer and lover of history, he has published several short stories and is finalising multiple books, including a guide to local history, mythology, culture, and walking routes called Rambles and Ramblings of a Blow In. During cancer treatment, he completed the Camino de Santiago in 2019 to raise funds for Cancer Care West, an experience that inspired further heritage work. He devised and led a controversial project to commemorate a WW2 humanitarian event in Dunfanaghy, building a monument, writing the book On a Wing and a Prayer, and featuring in a 22-minute RTE Nationwide documentary involving local schoolchildren.

Immediately after the Camino, he inspired Valladolid City Council to locate the resting place of Aodh Rua (Red Hugh O’Donnell), a project that made international headlines during COVID-19. In 2022, as Chairman of a group that raised funds for the event, he delivered the iconic state funeral of Aodh Rua in Valladolid, now an annual festival attracting growing international attendance. Passionate about exploration, cultural heritage, and community impact, he continues to blend creativity, advocacy, and adventure while living between Ireland and the Canary Islands.

Left: at Valladolid, carrying the Irish Flag in the Aodh Rua historical procession in Valladolid, Spain. Right: Brendan, driving medical supplies to Ukraine in September 2025 with Jeeps for Peace.

Left: a playlet Brendan wrote is performed in Simancas Castle 10th Sept 2022, depicting the deathbed scene as Aodh Rua, King of Tyrconaill signed his Last Will, 10th Sept 1602, with a Knight Templar (himself) in attendance. Right: “Hold yer Horses”, as Brendan prepares to lead the re-enactment on horseback of the 1602 funeral of Aodh Rua from the Royal Palace, Valladolid (Spain).

Below, after unveiling the plaque (12 Sept 2022). (L-R) including Brendan in kilt; Duke of Veragua, Christopher Columbus XX; Mayor of Valladolid; Hugo O’Donnell, Duke of Tetuan; Deputy Mayor Irish Ambassador representing Irish President; Mayor of Donegal (with chain). Irish army Comdt representing Dept of Defence.