My name is Ciarán Cunniffe, and it is my pleasure to serve as Principal of Cloneyhurke National School.

I currently work in Special Education, supporting pupils through targeted teaching, inclusive practice, and close collaboration with staff and families.

Before joining Cloneyhurke, I gained a wide range of leadership experience in education and sport, including working as an Assistant Principal and as part of an in-school management team in a large Dublin school. I have also been fortunate to continue my studies in education, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership in Maynooth University and a Master’s in Education through the University of Notre Dame. I also had the opportunity to study and teach in the United States at elementary level, which broadened my perspective on teaching and learning.

I have over 20 years’ teaching experience and I am committed to ongoing professional development as both a teacher and a school leader. I see myself as a lifelong learner and I aim to model this mindset for our pupils and school community.

I am passionate about student wellbeing and creating positive opportunities for children to thrive, including through sport and active participation in school life.

I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with pupils, parents, staff, and the wider school community throughout the year.

My name is Natasha Delaney and I am currently in my 8th 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.

I have enjoyed getting to know the school community and wider community of Cloneyhurke. I enjoy supporting our school to grow and develop.

My name is Katie Hennessy. This is my first year teaching in Cloneyhurke N.S. I am teaching the children in the senior room. I am excited to be part of the team.

I qualified from Marino Institute in 2026, completing my Bachelor in Education.

I have an interest in sports and played a variety of sports through school and college.

I aim to provide a comfortable environment for children to learn and grow, encouraging creativity and curiosity.

I look forward to growing as a teacher here.

My name is Olivia Melaniphy.

Before pursuing a career in education, I worked in the banking sector and studied International Business and German.

I have since completed both Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assisting qualifications and have continued to expand my professional knowledge through a range of specialist training courses.

This year I will be working as an EAL teacher, where I will be passionate about supporting pupils in developing their language skills, confidence, and independence. I am dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential through an inclusive, nurturing, and supportive learning environment.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors and have taken great pride in working with children to develop and maintain our school vegetable garden.

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.