Dr Mary Kelly, President of Hibernia College, has been appointed to the judging panel for the Education Awards 2026, bringing executive leadership experience in teacher education and academic programme development to the evaluation process.

Kelly joined Hibernia College in 2012 and has been a decisive influence on its academic and strategic direction ever since.

Her most recent role before the presidency was Academic Dean, in which she held oversight of the School of Education's full programme portfolio — spanning the Professional Master of Education in Primary and Post-Primary Education, the Masters in Special and Inclusive Education, and the Continuing Professional Development programme.

Under her stewardship, Hibernia College established itself as the leading provider of primary school teachers in Ireland, a position that reflects both institutional ambition and the quality of its academic offering.

Her qualifications trace a deliberate arc through the education system she now helps to lead. A graduate of St Patrick's College Drumcondra, she subsequently completed a Masters in Education at University College Dublin and a Doctor of Education in Education and Leadership at Dublin City University — an academic formation that moves from classroom practice through to the theory and governance of educational systems.

Beyond Hibernia College, Kelly served two terms on the Teaching Council, including a place on its Executive Committee, and represents her institution across a network that takes in educational agencies, professional bodies, government departments, and community organisations.

That external orientation gives her judging contribution a breadth of perspective that reaches beyond any single institution or sector.

The Education Awards 2026 ceremony takes place on 16 April at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath.

For the complete judging panel, category criteria, and finalists shortlist, visit the Education Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights.