Mayo man appointed to top EU job at European Commission

Proud Clare Islander Olof Gill has been elevated to the role of Deputy Chief Spokesperson at the European Commission.

The Mayo man spent his formative years between Clare Island and his mother’s hometown of Gothenburg in Sweden. He now lives in Brussels with his wife Lucy and three sons Patrik, Joey and Henry. Mr Gill also wrote for The Mayo News on many occasions before his work with the European Commission. 

The island continues to hold an important role in his life and the father of three children visits regularly throughout the year.

Readers will also have seen him line out in the green and yellow of Clare Island in the 'Hell for Leather: The Story of Gaelic Football', which featured a segment on the 2024 All-Island All-Ireland football tournament.

READ MORE: Postcard from Brussels - Olof on his time in European Parliament

His latest elevation follows his appointment last year as trade spokesperson for the EU Commission.

The Trump trade tariffs ensured that his press briefings were widely reported around the globe.

One notable moment that went viral was his quip that “we have to be very strategic about our response here, and I repeat, we don’t want to have to respond. But at the risk of sounding like my three year old son, ‘they started it.’”

READ MORE: 'Relieved to be alive' - Olof Gill on being in Brussels during terrorist attacks

As the voice of Europe in these times of heightened economic uncertainty, he gained a national profile. The only problem was that some people were mispronouncing his name.

Fortunately, his father intervened, as Olof tweeted in the Spring of 2025:

“I just learned that my 76-year-old father phoned the main switch line of a national broadcaster to ask that they pronounce my name properly whenever I'm on radio/TV (Ol-of not Ol-af).

And I thought this week couldn't get any madder..!”

In his acceptance speech for his new role, Olof reflected on his past work as a journalist, including his first job working for The Mayo News.

Speaking to us today, Olof offered the following reflections:

“I can trace a direct line between the skills I learned at the Mayo News and the work I’m doing today. My editors at the paper, the legendary and greatly missed Sean Staunton, and later Denise Horan, taught me the principles of good journalism, clear communication, and dealing with people of all backgrounds in a consistent and respectful way.

“Working for a local paper, you engage with people in all walks of life – politics, sport, farming, business, the arts, and more – and this gives you a feel for how to communicate in a way that is relevant but also authentic.

“Local media are the heart and soul of community and democracy, and they need to be supported, now more than ever”.

The Mayo News asked Olof if his GAA background has played an important role in his life. He replied: “playing and managing Gaelic Football teams is a fundamental part of who I am. I treasure the medals I won with Clare Island as much as any other achievement. Plus, being involved with GAA teams in Mayo, Dublin, and Brussels has taught me the values of respect, teamwork, and persistence”.