Overview: Protests interrupt Dublin cyber summit featuring Brian O’Driscoll
Former Ireland rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll was the keynote speaker at a Dublin cyber-security conference that faced disruptions from demonstrators yesterday. The event, billed as a high-profile gathering on cyber resilience and leadership, was held at the five-star Westbury Hotel in Dublin city centre and drew attention for its connections to an Israeli security company and a former Israeli intelligence officer who attended as a guest speaker.
What happened: Gardaí responded to a public order incident
Gardaí were called to the scene outside the Westbury Hotel at around 3:30pm after protesters gathered near the venue. A Gardaí spokesperson said those involved dispersed peacefully and no arrests were made. The disturbance occurred as the Cyber Leader Summit Dublin 2025, organized by Check Point, continued with the programme inside the hotel.
About the summit and its affiliations
The Cyber Leader Summit Dublin 2025 was promoted as a forum to compare elite sports teamwork with cyber defence, highlighting resilience, strategy, and leadership. Check Point, a cybersecurity firm with offices in Tel Aviv and California, organized the event. The notes for the conference referenced O’Driscoll’s role in drawing parallels between rugby and cyber security, suggesting attendees would explore how on-pitch discipline translates to digital defence.
Notable attendees and controversial links
Among the attendees was Yochai Corem, described as a former intelligence officer from Israel’s Unit 8200—a unit frequently cited in discussions about cyber intelligence. Corem’s presence, along with Check Point’s association with Israel’s tech and security sector, has drawn scrutiny from critics who argue such ties underscore military influence in the private sector. A recent exposé by Israeli magazine +972 and the Guardian has fueled ongoing debate about the unit’s activities and the broader implications for firms engaging with former security officials.
Reaction from critics and supporters
The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign issued a strong statement opposing O’Driscoll’s appearance, calling it “terrible” to see him speak at an event hosted by Check Point, which they described as closely linked with the Israeli military and security services. The group asserted that O’Driscoll’s participation was out of step with those who stand with Palestine. Supporters of the event, meanwhile, emphasized the value of cross-sector dialogue on cybersecurity, leadership, and resilience, arguing that the conference offered practical insights for professionals navigating an increasingly digital threat landscape.
What this means for cyber-security discourse in Ireland
The incident underscores the heightening intersection between geopolitics and technology conferences. While cybersecurity remains a field driven by technical expertise, high-profile figures and controversial partnerships can shape public perception and attendance. For Check Point and similar firms, the episode highlights the challenge of hosting events that appeal to a broad audience while navigating sensitive international associations. For attendees, it raises questions about conflicts of interest, transparency, and the impact of external opinions on industry discussions.
Next steps: transparency and continued dialogue
Check Point has stated that the event proceeded but declined to offer additional comment. As cyber-security remains a global priority, stakeholders anticipate further dialogue on how to balance corporate partnerships, public accountability, and open discourse at industry forums. The Dublin summit’s organisers and participants are likely to address questions about sponsorship, speakers’ backgrounds, and the role of political context in professional events.
For readers seeking broader context on Israel-Palestine developments and how they intersect with global tech industries, industry newsletters and fact-check resources continue to provide background and ongoing updates.
