Minister and local learners address ETB leaders
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Helen McEntree, TD, Minister for Education & Youth listening to Somer Finn, student in Inver College Monaghan, who provided learner voice at the ETBI Annual Congress 2025, held in Cavan. Adrian DonohoeImage 2 of 4
Cavan & Monaghan learners Grace Hamilton, Bebe Ukoeninn, Krista Hamilton (Youth worker),Kerry Duffy and Neansai McDonnell. They performed a live spoken word piece called ‘Diary of a learner’. Adrian DonohoeImage 3 of 4
Milah O’Reilly and Music Generation Cavan and Monaghan Ensemble performs at the ETBI Annual Conference held in Cavan. Photos Adrian Donohoe Adrian DonohoeImage 4 of 4
From left: Anthony Quinn, Michelle Flynn, Joe McGrath, Karen McBride, Cllr Damien Brady, Dr Fiona McGrath, Paddy Flood, Cllr Clifford Kelly, Dr Linda Pinkster and Cllr Colm Carthy. Adrian DonohoeOver 200 education leaders from across Ireland gathered at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell last Thursday, October 9, for the 2025 Annual Congress of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), hosted by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).
Held under the theme ‘Strengthening Governance, Managing Growth’, the congress brought together policymakers, educators, and learners to discuss challenges and opportunities shaping the future of education and training in Ireland.
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, delivered her first address to the ETB sector, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to educational reform and equity, including the recently announced €2M to support Ireland’s first National Convention on Education.
“I am delighted to attend my first ETBI Conference and to meet so many people committed to advancing greater equity in education,” she said.
The National Convention on Education featured prominently in a panel discussion chaired by Dr Deirdre Keyes, with contributions from David Stanton, Elaine Prior, and Donal O’Sullivan.
A standout moment came from 17-year-old Somer Finn, a student at Inver College in Carrickmacross, who called for a system that better supports all learners.
“I would like education to adapt to what students need, including those with additional needs,” said the student. “This can only start at the top.”
Delegates were also moved by a powerful spoken word performance, ‘Diary of a Learner’, by Grace Hamilton, Bebe Ukoeninn, Kerry Duffy, and Neansai McDonnell- reflecting on real learner experiences across primary, post-primary and further education.
CMETB Chief Executive Dr Fiona McGrath opened the event, emphasising the importance of collaboration and strong governance as the sector continues to expand.
“This Congress provided a vital opportunity to share ideas, strengthen collaboration, and ensure our sector continues to grow in ways that best serve our learners and communities across Ireland,” she told those in attendance.
A session on education and enterprise, meanwhile, explored how ETBs can respond to the evolving needs of the regional economy. Ballyhaise-born entrepreneur Seán Gallagher joined Mary Lyons and Noel Mooney of CMETB to discuss strengthening links with local industry.
Another breakout sessions covered key topics including curriculum reform, the Irish language, special education, and student wellbeing. Paddy Flood, CMETB Director of Schools contributed to this discussion.
Other highlights included a keynote address by renowned psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan, and a musical performance by Music Generation Cavan and Monaghan Ensemble.