Our Board of Directors
Chairperson: Michael McNulty
A native of Ballina Co Mayo, Michael came to Nenagh in 1976 to work as a teacher in Nenagh Vocational School. Eventually he became school Principle in 2004 before retiring in 2014. Over the years he ran a very successful scout and cub unit as well as being a founder member of the St Patrick’s Day Parade revival. Michael was active in the development of the Nenagh museum which is located in Nenagh Heritage Centre.
Michael has been an active trade unionist all his life, holding many positions and continues to be active with the TUI retired members association.
Michael has been a member of our Board of Directors since 2016 and took on the role of Chairperson in 2017. He is also on the Board of Directors at Nenagh Community Training Centre as well as the Board of Management for Lissenahall Primary School.
Secretary: Sheila Geaney
I am a Tutor at Nenagh Community Training Centre where I work with young people aged 16-21yrs, some of whom have an interest in working eventually in the Childcare Sector.
For many years I owned and managed my own Sessional Service for children aged 3-5yrs.
I have qualifications as a Montessori Directress, a BA in Training and Education and other City and Guilds qualifications in Early Years and Further and Adult Education and also as a VTCT Assessor. I have worked in the areas of delivering training, advocacy and quality enhancement in the Early Years Sector.
My passion lies in the care of children and their early learning, being especially enthusiastic about, enriching their young minds through play and mindful hands-on experiences.
For me there is no more rewarding work.
Treasurer: Garrett Howard
Garrett is from Newtown just outside of Nenagh He is married to Fiona and they have four children. Garrett is a member of the Burgess GAA club and other than a long playing career has been involved in managing teams at all levels.
Currently Garrett works with FBD Ireland as a Product Manager. Prior to FBD he worked with Liberty and Aviva in a career spanning twenty years and many different roles. Garrett attained ACII status with the CII in 2016 to add to his business degree.
Garrett has been a member of the board since 2017 and is currently Treasurer. Previously Garrett was on the Parents Council of Youghalarra NS.
Director: Eileen Gray
Eileen is a retired secondary teacher with a keen interest in all aspects of education. She has experience of working with the State Examinations Commission as an Examiner, Advising Examiner and Chief Advising Examiner. She was seconded to the Department of Education to work with the Professional Development Service for Teachers throughout the country. This involved organising and delivering in-service training for teachers and supporting schools.
Eileen has served as a Director of Nenagh Childcare Centre since 2017.
Director: Nora O’Connor
Nora O’Connor is a member of Nenagh Childcare Board of Directors since 2012 and is now retired from a career where she worked in a variety of educational settings. These include supervising on the Early Childhood Care and Education course in Mary Immaculate College (MIC); working as an Assistant National Coordinator for the Special Educational Support Service; teaching on the Learning Support Teacher Training Course in MIC; working as Coordinator on the Leaving Cert Applied Support service from CDU Shannon; teaching Home Economics at St Mary’s Sec School Nenagh.
Recently retired director of Nenagh Arts Centre after 15 years, Nora is currently a member of St Mary’s Convent Primary School Board of Management.
Nora enjoys life-long learning, the arts, being part of the Nenagh Octaves choir, her new role as grandmother, re-purposing products, sewing, reading, swimming and meeting family and friends
Director: Cllr Fiona Bonfield
Fiona Bonfield is a native of Newport and is a Councillor with Tipperary County Council for the Newport Area.
Fiona has served on the Board of Nenagh Childcare now for a number of years and is delighted to support the centre in every way possible, as she can see the value that Community Childcare plays in the community and the support it gives to familes day in day out.
Director: Marcella Dillon
Marcella lives in Nenagh and is a retired second level school teacher. For over 40 years she taught English, History and Social Education.
Community has always been very important to Marcella and she facilitated student involvement in fundraising for various charities, essay and debating competition, Spring Clean-up and the Youth Pastoral Council.
Marcella is involved in various groups associated with St Mary of the Rosary. She is a member of Nenagh Eire Og and helps with English lessons for Ukrainians.
Marcella has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2022.