Hennessy’s 250th Anniversary

On Wednesday, 22nd April, 2015, Hennessy celebrated its 250th anniversary in style, with an exclusive gala dinner, which took place in Dublin City Hall. Bernard Peillon, President and CEO of Hennessy and Andy O’Hara, ‎CEO at Edward Dillon, welcomed 100 specially invited guests from the worlds of literature, arts and culture, sport, entertainment and fashion, as well as Hennessy representatives from Cognac including Richard Hennessy’s eighth descendent, Maurice Hennessy and RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan, who acted as MC at the event. Upon arrival, guests enjoyed a Hennessy reception, along with a viewing of a Hennessy 250 Tour exhibit by Anton Corbijn, which was brought to Ireland especially for the event. The exhibition was created to celebrate the anniversary with Anton Corbijn, one of the most influential photographers of this generation, creating a series of photographic portraits devoted to the people who make Hennessy what it is.

Attending VIPs included His Excellency The Ambassador of France Mr. Jean-Pierre Thébault and his wife Aurore Thébault, His Excellency The Ambassador of Britain Dominick Chilcott, artist and fashion designer Helen Steele, owner and buyer of Design Centre, Aisling Kilduff, novelist Dermot Bolger, Irish horse trainer and former jockey Willie Mullins, owner and CEO of Harmonia publishing, Norah Casey along with musician James Vincent McMorrow, who also provided entertainment on the night.

Kieran Harnett

The events in Ireland are part of the global anniversary celebration, The Hennessy 250 Tour, a hybrid cultural event and travelling exhibition that offers a 360° perspective on the Maison’s past, present and future as rendered in carte blanche creations and performances by a selection of internationally recognized contemporary artists. From March through September 2015, The Hennessy 250 Tour will touch down in iconic landmarks in five cities chosen for their significant historical and cultural affinities with the Maison Hennessy. Destinations include the Zaha Hadid Opera House in Guangzhou, China (March); the New Manege in Moscow, Russia (May); Lincoln Centre in New York, USA (July); the Circa Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa (August); and at an as-yet undisclosed location in Paris, France (September).