Judging Panel

An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, drawn from the highest echelons of the Educational Institutions in Ireland and abroad, will determine the winners of the Education Awards.

We understand the importance of a fair and objective judging process. That's why we assemble a prestigious panel of industry leaders, renowned for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise in the education industry.

Our selection process is meticulous. Judges are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and declare any potential conflicts of interest. Entries with conflicts are reassigned, ensuring complete impartiality.

This unwavering commitment to integrity is the foundation of our awards programme. Become a part of recognising industry excellence. If you're interested in joining the judging panel, email your details to judges@businessriver.com

2026 Judging Panel

Willie Donnelly (Judging Coordinator)

Director of Research and Innovation, The Technical Higher Education Association THEA

Research Innovation and Engagement Director, The Technical Higher Education Association (THEA) Ireland. Previous Role: President, Waterford Institute of Technology (2015-May 2022). Created on led one of Ireland's leading academic research centre TSSG/Walton Institute. VIEW MORE

Dr Joe Collins

Director of Further Education and Training, ETBI

Dr Joseph Collins is Director of Further Education and Training at ETBI. VIEW MORE

Professor Colette Henry

Head of Department of Business Studies, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)

Professor Colette Henry is Head of Department of Business Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology, Visiting Professor at Oxford Brooks University, UK, and Adjunct Professor of Business Strategy & Innovation at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. VIEW MORE

Anne McGlynn

Accreditation & Curriculum Manager, Insurance Institute of Ireland

She is passionate about building the skills people and businesses need to thrive, whether in education, industry, or the evolving sustainability landscape. With a strong background in higher education, she has spent over a decade designing, developing, and delivering impactful programmes. VIEW MORE

Denise McMorrow

STUDENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER / CHAIR OF UNESCO DUBLIN LEARNING CITY, IADT

Denise McMorrow is Head of Student Experience in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology and she is the Co-Chair of UNESCO Dublin Learning City. She has over 25 years’ experience in Education, Access, Inclusion and Diversity. She provides leadership in the integration of the student services fun VIEW MORE

Paul Mullally

Director, Education Lighthouse

Paul is directly involved with student recruitment from a range of different countries and regions. He is an international education consultant. He has worked with institutions in Ireland, the UK, the US, Australia, and NZ to help with their internationalisation strategies. VIEW MORE

Ciarán Ó Hannracháin

Project Manager - Strategic Business Projects, Atlantic Technological University

Dr Ciarán Ó Hannracháin has worked in tertiary education, both public and private, for 35 years in the Irish, UK, US, and Swiss education systems, predominantly working in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Education Leadership. VIEW MORE

Martin O'Connell

EU Programe Manager, UCC-Tyndall

Martin is a senior research professional with extensive international experience in implementing global strategies; disseminating science and innovation; building partnerships across academia, government and industry to address national priorities and global challenges. VIEW MORE