Elza Alex appointed first Indian lady peace commissioner

Minister for Justice Simon Harris has appointed Elza Alex as peace commissioner for Westmeath and surrounding counties. Elza is an Irish Indian who has been living here with her family (from Kottayam district, Kerala) for more than 15 years. She is a member of staff at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

Elza is active in a number of groups, including Volunteer Ireland, SVP, AWARE, Team Hope, and the Fleadh Cheoil. She has also served as membership officer and treasurer of Mullingar Badminton Club and as head teacher with St Stephen’s Indian Orthodox Parish, Mullingar.

Elza is from the Thiruvalla Thachedathu family and is married to Fr Ninan Kuriakose (Indian Orthodox Christian priest); their children are Kuruvilla (who is doing a Master’s in physiotherapy in Leeds Bradford), Ann and Alexander, students.