Diarmuid Hennessy, IPPN Board Member
Diarmuid graduated from Mary Immaculate College of Education in 1988. Having initially taught in Scoil Oilibhéir, Ballyvolane Cork, he moved to SN Cnoc na Manach, Minane Bridge in 1990 and was Teaching Principal there from 1998 to 2011. Since 2011, Diarmuid has been Administrative Principal at Scoil Mhuire na nGrást, Belgooly.
With an interest in Sustainable Leadership, Diarmuid believes he has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to engage with many related programmes over the years - Tutor on the INTO Multi-Class Teacher Summer Programme in 2006 & 2007 and an associate on the PDST School Leadership team since 2007 where he has facilitated on the Spreagadh, Tánaiste, Misneach, Forbairt & Comhar programmes. At a local level, organising shared CPD opportunities for neighbouring schools, being an active member of the Kinsale INTO branch, a founding member and coordinator of a local IPPN Leadership Support Group from 2013 until recently and IPPN National Council Representative (Cork) since 2020 are all highly valued sources of professional networking and support.
Diarmuid credits an active engagement with CPD over the years - Special Education (DES/Cope Foundation), M.Ed (UCC), Coaching Course (TCD/PDST) and Diploma in Education Law (Law Society of Ireland) with providing growth opportunities for school leadership.
Recognising the importance of CPD for school leaders, along with fellow members of the IPPN Cork Committee, Diarmuid, as Chair, organised online CPD opportunities, with a focus on wellbeing, during the challenging pandemic period. More recently, an in-person IPPN CPD gathering in Cork provided timely sharing of insights and practices, by principals and deputy principals, on the School Summer Programme and the Free Schoolbook Scheme. Given the pivotal importance of peer support for school leaders, in association with the IPPN Support Office and the local Cork Education Support Centre & West Cork Education Centre, Diarmuid continues to support efforts to ensure all school leaders have access to a local Leadership Support Group.
Working and learning together with fellow school leaders has been central to Diarmuid’s school leadership journey, thus endeavouring to ensure a sustainable and worthwhile path. These are key considerations in his role as a member of the Board of Directors.
