Where did you learn your Irish?

I started learning Irish in Gortnamona national school, county Offaly. I continued at Kilcormac Vocational School. I enjoyed speaking Irish and doing the listening comprehension, but I didn't like the grammar rules very much.

I didn't have the opportunity to do a Gaeltacht Course at the time... but when Ros na Rún launched in 1996 my teacher encouraged us to watch it (GRMMA Mrs. Keogh). I was transported to the Gaeltacht for 30 minutes at night.

Tell us about your professional journey.

I held many different jobs before I started in the public sector. I worked as a hotel receptionist, a flashboard operator, and a legal secretary. I had a job in Centra, in Xtra Vision selling popcorn, in a car dealership, and a deli counter making delicious sandwiches. Then I heard about “PublicJobs.ie” and applied for a clerical officer position.

I started in the Department of Education, Athlone, in 2016 on the “Teacher Allocations” team.

Have you worked in any other areas of the public sector before the Department of Education & Youth?

In 2019 I was promoted and moved to Dublin to the Department of Transport, working with the Irish Coast Guard team (IRCG). It was very interesting work for me, as I was born in Offaly; I had no experience with the sea or the work of the IRCG.

In 2021, I moved home and was fortunate to get a space on the allocations team again. Now, I’m studying a business course with the Technological University of the Shannon. I want to progress and become a higher executive officer some day.

Can you describe a working day in the Department of Education and Youth?

The department buildings are open from 8am to 7pm each working day. The work of the department is very diverse, from policy development to operational functions. The mission of the Department of Education and Youth is to help children and young people reach their full potential through learning and contribute to their social, economic, and cultural development in Ireland.

My workday usually starts with reviewing emails, prioritizing new tasks that result from these emails, and completing tasks from the day before.

Technology plays a significant role in the implementation of our work, however, physical meetings are also critical to the work of the department.

Morning coffee breaks provide opportunities to meet colleagues and promote a variety of activities, e.g. the ‘Cupán Tae’ group on Tuesdays or the book club on Wednesdays.

The afternoons can vary; sometimes they are filled with meetings, other times with tasks to be completed from the previous day.

Each working day brings a new experience.

What are your main duties as an Executive Officer in the public sector?

I work on a team of seven executive officers that report to two higher executive officers. The main function of the unit is teacher allocations for primary and post-primary schools.

My main duty is to issue teaching allocations to post-primary schools. With that, I have regular contact with school principals to help them manage their teaching allocation throughout the year. I also engage with other colleagues across the department.

My work also includes drafting responses to Ministerial Representations and Parliamentary Questions. My ability in Irish allows me to carry out my work through Irish when necessary.

What advice would you have for someone who would like a job in the public sector?

I encourage people to sign up to PublicJobs.ie, that's the first step. Then, have a look at the upcoming competitions. The Capability Framework is online, and you can prepare for the interview.

The “service” is a career, and you do not require a 3rd level degree to become a clerical officer. It's said to be a pensionable position, it's a stable position and there are lot of opportunities for continuous improvement.

How do you keep your language skills up to date?

I received a certificate in Professional Irish with Gaelchultúr and the Department of Education in 2018. There were ten people on the course, and we started a group study to prepare for an oral examination.

From this, the group “Cupán Tae, Comhrá Beag” was formed in the Department of Education. It’s a network of Irish speakers that connects fluent speakers with people who are interested in using a few words. Now we have a Teams group, where we share local events and interesting excerpts. We met at the “Virtual Cupán Tae” once every month. We organise Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations in the office every year, recommending the use of a few words or learning a new word. There's a cake sale, quizzes, and traditional music throughout the week.

Outside of the office, I joined the Athlone Gaeltacht – a social group for all levels. They run beginner/intermediate-level classes, singing courses and dance evenings and many events throughout the year. The Gaeltacht meets every Thursday upstairs in the Snug ( a pub near the Castle. Join Us!!)

What are your favorite things about your job?

The work is interesting – each section is different and each department is too. Now, I am talking to a post-primary school principals across the country and informing schools of support services. Prior to that I worked with procurement staff sourcing life-saving equipment and training courses on behalf of the IRCG.

There are also many career opportunities. I am currently studying for a ‘Bachelor of Business’ in Athlone; I’m being supported by other staff members and managers to complete it, and there is a scheme in the Department to assist with tuition fees.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Write a job guide!! My first manager in the service gave me the great advice… and when I start in a new place, a new job, or on a new task, her voice is still in my ear.

How do you relax after a day's work?

I study online a few nights a week, and I am unable to relax those nights... but once a week I attend a 2 hour set dancing class, and you leave the class full of happy hormones.

Do you have any hobbies?

I'm a “culchie” and I love the outdoors, gallavanting like Bilbo Baggins. I always have a “go-bag” in the car, so I'm ready for anything.

I love meeting my friends and going to céilís or a music session. I'm not good at the gym, céilí dancing is the same level of cardio, but much more fun!!

During the winter, I like playing pool, and the last few years I have had the opportunity to play good few times on the Irish women's team in competitions in England, Malta and Ireland.

Have you attended any Gréasán events? Did you like it?

I have and I had great fun. My first event, my friends Tony & Majella and I, went to Galway to see the Kneecap film in Pálás. It was an interesting night, with a Q&A session after the film.

I had a wonderful night at Coisir na Nollag 2024. I bought gifts for my niece, and heard live music by John Spillane and an Irish choir. I talked to nice, friendly people and we exchanged stories from one Department to another.. “do you know her/him in the Department…?”

In 2025, I hikeed with the Cnocadóirí. We had a great day and despite the weather, I loved it. I met friends again, and new people too. Everyone was helping each other, using their Irish, laughing and having fun!

I can't wait for an event in the Midlands and meeting people from my area who are in the GG.

What is the main benefit of being a member of Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí?

There are a few great things. The website, there are plenty of resources available, such as the vocabulary. I use the conversational phrases in the office and share them with my colleagues. There is a “Tea-Break Resources” folder in every tearoom, and I update them with new Irish words each month. There’s an English/Irish version online - which is helpful for me, as I’m not fluent and sometimes have to switch between the two.

I like the newsletter, reading about the upcoming events and setting a date for my next trip/adventure. Events are the biggest advantage in my opinion. They allow me to practise my Irish, strengthening confidence, even though I don't have all the grammar – but I think people are friendly and helpful if you make an effort, which is important to encourage people to use their cúpla focal.

What is your favorite word or phrase in Irish?

Giorraíonn beirt bóthar - two shorten a road. The idea of companionship and friendship associated with this phrase resonates with me. It's easier to learn something with another person (Irish/Dance/Pool – everything), and I have fond memories of the trips I shared with friends.