My name is Ciarán Cunniffe and it is my pleasure to serve as principal of Cloneyhurke national school. 

I currently teach in the Senior Room where I enjoy teaching students from third to sixth class.  Prior to my appointment I've had many leadership experiences in education and sport. This includes serving as an assistant principal and member of the in school management team in a large Dublin School. 

This is my seventeenth year teaching and I am very dedicated to my professional development as a teacher and a leader. I see myself as a lifelong learner and try to set a good example for our students and staff. I'm very passionate about student wellbeing and involving students in sport. 

I look forward to working in cooperation with all the stakeholders this year in Cloneyhurke National School.  

My name is Natasha Delaney and I am currently in my 7th year teaching in Cloneyhurke N.S. I am teaching the children in the Junior Room. 

I am filling the position of Acting Deputy Principal this year.

Within my teaching, I aim to provide a learning environment where the children feel safe, secure, and valued and where learning is active, enquiry based, and enriching. 

I have a keen interest in the outdoors and enjoy bringing learning outside. I am also involved in coaching GAA, and take great enjoyment from overseeing our Green Schools work.

My name is Olivia Melaniphy. I live in Cloneygowan and I am married with three children. 

My previous career background was in banking, and I studied International Business in Carlow IT. I have completed both Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assisting courses.  I have also engaged in various courses, including Le Cheile Professional Learning Day - Autism, Lámh and Diabetes Awareness. 

I enjoy spending time outdoors and take great pride in supporting the children as they develop and maintain our school vegetable garden. I am committed to helping the pupils of Cloneyhurke N.S. reach their full potential, while fostering a happy, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.  

My name is Caroline Whelehan. I am married with three children. I have been working in Cloneyhurke National School since 2018 as an SNA. Working in this school means a lot to me as I am originally from this area and I went to school here myself.

I love coming into school every morning to see all the smiling faces. I am very passionate about every child getting an equal opportunity to progress in life. I also love to see our children getting involved and taking part in all the types of sport and activities which this school provides.

My name is Madeline Bennett. I qualified as a Special Needs Assistant in 2007. I've completed Level 5 and Level 6 in Special Needs. I have worked in numerous schools and settings including a Gaelscoil with my current full time position in Cloneyhurke N.S for the past 5 years. I complete many courses annualy with 'Middleton Centre for Autism', 'Le Chéile Online Learning' and Laois-Offaly Education Centres. 

I have a keen interest in GAA and soccer and am involved with my local clubs. Also in my spare time I enjoy a trip to the cinema!

My name is Claire Keating and I am the school secretary at Cloneyhurke National School.

I live in Walsh Island with my husband and three children. 

My background is in administration and I am currently a member of my local school's parents association.  

I really enjoy working with the staff, students and parents in Cloneyhurke. 

(Mary Coss is currently on a career break and will return to Cloneyhurke NS in 2026/27 school year) 

My name is Mary Coss and I am currently in my 10th year teaching in Cloneyhurke N.S. and Deputy Principal of our school.

I spent 5 years teaching Junior Infants to 2nd Class, 2 years teaching 3rd Class to 6th Class and 3 years as our school’s Special Education Teacher.

I have taken part in many educational courses throughout my time in Literacy, Numeracy, Art, Music, SEN and I recently completed a Diploma in Coaching and Leadership.

My passion and interests are in music. We have produced Concerts at Christmas, taking part in Peace Proms and involved with Music Generation Programme under my supervision. I also enjoy helping out with the choir in our local church.