Karol Torpey – Chairperson & Social Media
Diocese: Killaloe
School: St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon
School chaplaincy is something I have wanted to do since I was a teenager, having experienced positive influences on my own journey through those formative years. Those experiences helped shape my understanding of the difference that having the right person there at the right time can make, and they continue to influence how I approach my work today.
I graduated from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in 2001 with a degree in Theology and Sociology, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education from NUI Maynooth in 2003. I have worked in education for over 20 years, including seven years teaching Religious Education and over 15 years in school chaplaincy. My chaplaincy journey has taken me through Kilrush Community School, St Anne’s Community College in Killaloe and, most recently, St Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon. My further studies include an MA in Christian Leadership in Education from Mary Immaculate College, a Postgraduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care and Practice from University College Cork, and qualifications in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching.
In 2023, I received the National ETBI Award for Excellence in Care, and in 2024, I was a panellist at the ETBI National Symposium on Ethos. I have always valued working in multidenominational schools and with people of all faiths and none. For me, chaplaincy begins with trust, empathy and meeting people where they are, without judgement. I believe relationships are at the heart of what we do, and that a listening ear, an open mind and sometimes a sense of humour can make all the difference.
I genuinely love my job. No two days are ever the same, and I particularly value the conversations and connections that happen with students, staff and families, whether in my office, the prayer room, the classroom or the corridor. Chaplaincy can sometimes be a lonely role, and one that is difficult to fully understand unless you have experienced it yourself, but it is also hugely rewarding. Being alongside people through life’s challenges and celebrations is a privilege, and I believe that by listening, building relationships and working together, we can often find a way forward.
Outside school, I am married with three children, so life brings plenty of its own hustle and bustle! I have a particular interest in wellbeing, personal development and supporting people through life’s challenges and transitions. Alongside my work in education, I run Sense & Soul, combining coaching, wellbeing support and celebrancy. These interests reflect my belief in the importance of connection and being alongside people through the many experiences and milestones that make up our lives.
I am delighted to take on the role of Chairperson of the School Chaplains’ Association and look forward to working with the Executive and our members. I hope to help strengthen our connections, support one another in the realities of our work and continue to advocate for the recognition and value of school chaplaincy. We may work in different schools and circumstances, but there is much that connects us, and I look forward to what we can achieve together.
An Clár Abú!
Róisín McCann – Vice Chairperson, Conference Coordinator & Diaries
Diocese: Kildare and Leighlin
School: St Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry, Co Offaly
I have worked as a teacher of Religious Education and Business Studies since 2008, qualifying in St Patrick’s College Thurles (Now MIC Thurles).
While working in Dublin I completed a resource Diploma in Counselling in schools, this was my first taste of what it might be like to work with students in a one-to-one setting. I enjoyed the pastoral side of the work in the school, helping to organise liturgies and working closely with the religious order associated with the school.
I went travelling to Australia and New Zealand in 2013 and completed a Pastoral Care and Counselling home-study course. While working in the Religion Department in a school in New Zealand, I experienced the joy of teaching the subject to students who had different cultures and traditions.
I returned to Ireland and took up employment in St Mary’s in 2017, where I was hired as a teacher with chaplaincy hours.
I have worked closely with the Care Team, which consists of Management, Career Guidance Counsellors, and members of the AEN department. I have developed a strong link with the local priest and pastoral council, introducing the Pope John Paul Awards and Papal Cross Awards to the school.
I really enjoy my role as a Chaplain, working one-to-one with students, helping them to find the answers they are looking for. My role includes working with the music department to organise liturgies for school events. The students know my door is always open and the motto I use is, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.
I am delighted to be part of the School Chaplains Association and look forward to continuing this work with, and on behave of, other chaplains.
John Mangan – Secretary
Diocese: Dublin
School: Malahide Community School
I graduated from Mater Dei Institute of Education/DCU with a B.REL.ED & English in 2005. I went on to complete my M.A in School Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care in 2009. I have been involved in School Chaplaincy for the past 20 years, during which time I have had the privilege of working with students, staff and school communities in a pastoral and spiritual capacity. I completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership & Management from NUI Maynooth in 2021.
I began my Chaplaincy journey at Loreto College, St. Stephen’s Green in 2007, and have currently been working as a Chaplain at Malahide Community School in Co. Dublin for the last 16 years, where I also hold an Assistant Principal II post with a responsibility for Attendance. I have served on my school’s Board of Management, including the role of Chairperson. These experiences have deepened my commitment to education, collaboration, and the development of the school community.
I am delighted to take on the role of secretary of the School Chaplains’ Association and look forward to making a contribution to the work of the executive and supporting fellow Chaplains. I have always admired the work of previous executives and their dedication, leadership and valuable contributions to the Association’s continued success.
An important part of my work is creating opportunities for reflection and encouraging students to take a moment to pause and consider the values that shape their lives. I compiled a book of reflections entitled ‘Thought for the Day’ which I use for weekly reflections over the school intercom. I have coached and trained school GAA teams over the years, helping students develop their skills, teamwork, confidence and sporting ability.
Outside of school, I enjoy travelling and taking on new challenges. One of my most memorable experiences was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in 2024 in aid of Jigsaw, the Youth Mental Health service in Ireland. This was a particularly meaningful challenge combining a personal ambition with a cause that is hugely important to the wellbeing of young people.
I live in Co. Westmeath with my wife and two children.
Tiobraid Árann Abú!
Fiona O’Dwyer – Website & Newsletter / Finance and Membership
Diocese:
School:
Éibhlís Nic Uaithuas – Cluster Co-ordination & Spiritual Direction
Diocese: Dublin
School: St Paul’s College, Raheny
I have been Chaplain in St Paul’s College, Raheny since late January 2020. This was initially part-time as I was also part-time in the Office for Evangelisation and Ecumenism in the Dublin Archdiocese where I was engaged in expanding the Weeks of Guided Prayer across the parishes in the diocese. As a Daughter of Charity, most of my ministry has been in the area of administration, firstly hospital administration and then provincial administration, while also training as a spiritual director. In late 2011, following a sabbatical break, and before I began working in the Office for Evangelisation and Ecumenism, I piloted a ‘Retreat in Daily Life with a Difference’ with small groups of senior second level students using a group spiritual direction model and a form of lectio divina. While in the Office for Evangelisation and Ecumenism, in addition to facilitating retreats with young people I researched and completed a doctorate entitled: ‘Spiritual Accompaniment and Marginalisation in the Vincentian Tradition: An Exploratory Study’ graduating in 2019. In September 2020 when the schools reopened after the Covid lockdown, my work in the diocese did not resume and I was available to be full-time in St Paul’s, which I was delighted to do. As Chaplain, I am a faith and Vincentian presence in the school community, available to all students and staff alike, responding to their spiritual and religious needs and respecting the denominational, religious and personal convictions of all. I do this by creating a welcoming and hospitable environment for all, promoting our shared Vincentian ethos and values within the school, creating opportunities for us to come together as a school community to support those who are on the margins of society and offer occasions for prayer and ritual. In 2023 I led a group of staff and students from St Paul’s as well as St Mary’s Holy Faith, Glasnevin and St Mary’s Holy Faith, Clontarf on pilgrimage to the International Gathering of Young Vincentians in Felgueiras, Porto and World Youth Day in Lisbon which was a memorable occasion for all concerned.
Ryan McMahon – Finance & Membership
Diocese: Dublin
School: Skerries Community College
Liam Ó’Dubhghaill – Newsletter, Website & Social Media
Diocese: Kerry
School: Scoil Phobail Bhéara, Castletownbere, Beara, Co. Cork
My professional journey began in 2017 when I flew the nest and moved to Cork City to take up studies on the BA Arts degree in UCC in the disciplines of Irish and Geography. Moving to Cork City as a teenager, in my eyes, was just amazing. The sense of independence and freedom I gained enabled me to explore who I was as an individual and how I was going to fit into the world around me. After graduating from UCC, I enrolled on the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachais (MGO), the equivalent of the PME, but through the medium of Irish. I undertook my MGO studies in the University of Galway, where I qualified as a post-primary Irish and Geography teacher.
I am living on the picturesque Beara Peninsula in South-West Cork. I have been working as a full-time chaplain in Scoil Phobail Bhéara in Castletownbere since 2024. My journey to chaplaincy began when I completed the School/College Chaplain’s Induction Programme with Newman University in Birmingham. To follow on from this induction course, I began the MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work, from which I have graduated this year.
I absolutely love my role as a chaplain, and how it enables me to work and connect with students beyond the bounds of a curriculum. I actively work with the student support team, meet students on a regular one-to-one basis, and act as a faith presence for our school community. My faith and spirituality have always been a very important part of who I am, and it is special to be able to accompany students who are undertaking their own spiritual journey. I also believe it is important that I can also provide them with a space where they can talk, feel listened to and figure out what is going on for them. As a kind, warm and non-judgmental presence, students know they can come to me as they are.
When I am off duty, I love to spend time with family and friends. I am passionate about cars and nature, and I enjoy being immersed in both. In Irish we have a lovely seanfhocal – ‘An áit a bhfuil do chroí is ann a thabharfas do chosa thú’. This means that wherever your heart is, that is where your feet will take you. Having the courage to get up on your two feet and taste what life has to offer, you will find your path.
It is a huge privilege to now be moving into my second term on the Executive for the School Chaplain’s Association of Ireland. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to working alongside this great team of chaplains for all chaplains.
“Ní neart go cur le chéile”.
