Staff

The Principals Mr Burke, Principal & Mrs Dolan, Deputy Principal
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Brendan Burke M.A. B Tech (ed) – Principal

Brendan graduated from Thomond College of Education in 1987 with an honours degree in Wood and Building Technology. He also achieved an honours M.A. specialising in Information and Communications Technology in Education from the University of Limerick in 2001. Brendan taught at Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir for eighteen years and held positions of both Special Duties Teacher and Assistant Principal. He was promoted to Deputy Principal at Scoil Ruain in Killenaule and held this position for three years prior to his appointment at Hazelwood College.
Brendan has been an Advising Examiner for the State Examination Commission for several years and an Assistant Examiner in Junior Certificate Technical Graphics and in Leaving Certificate Applied, Graphics and Construction Studies.

Elizabeth Dolan B.A, H. Dip in Ed.,Diploma in Catechetics, Dip in Remedial Ed – Deputy Principal

Elizabeth is a graduate of University College Cork with a primary degree in English and Maths. Her teaching qualification was also obtained from UCC. Elizabeth holds two graduate diplomas from Mary Immaculate College, in Cathechetics and Special Needs. Currently Elizabeth is studying for her Masters in Education in UCC.
Elizabeth has been teaching in Hazelwood College for the past twenty two years, teaching Maths to Higher level Leaving Certificate as well as SPHE, Religion and Resource classes. She has co-ordinated Special Needs in the school for the past eight years. Elizabeth has been involved in middle and senior management in the school for the past ten years and began her position as Deputy Principal in August 2009.

Tom Quinlan- B.Tech Ed. – Assistant Principal.

Tom is a graduate of Thomond College, Limerick with a B.Tech. Ed. He previously taught in Croom before coming to Dromcollogher. Tom teachers Technical Graphics, Engineering, Drawing, Metalwork and Technology. He has completed inservice on the Junior Cert Technology Syllabus as well as Engineering inservice for the Leaving Cert Applied. Another keen sportsman, Tom helps in the training of the U.18 and U.16 boys football teams, He holds a Senior County Football Championship Medal with Galbally

Yvonne Devine -B.A –Grad Dip. In Learning Support – Assistant Principal

Yvonne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Graduate Diploma in Learning Support, both from Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick. She teaches French and English to both Junior and Senior classes. She is an Assistant Principal with responsibility for the co-ordination of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme. She has worked as an Assistant Examiner for both the Junior Certificate and LCA state exams. Yvonne is also a member of our school’s Student Services Support team.

Desmond Lambe- B.Tech. Ed

Des graduated from the University of Limerick in 1995 with a B.Tech. Ed (Engineering). He taught in both Newport and Nenagh between 1995 and 1999. He was appointed as Engineering Teacher at Hazelwood College in September 1999. He has a special interest in I.T and is responsible for co-ordinating the Schools Integration Project for L.C.V.P. He teaches Engineering to Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied and also Technical Graphics and Metalwork to Junior Cert Level.

Michael Hennessy – B.Tech. Ed.

Michael graduated from the University of Limerick in 1994 with a Bachelor of Technology with specialism in Education and Construction. He previously taught in Ennistymon and Dunlavin before joining the staff here in Dromcollogher in September 1997.He currently teaches Construction Studies (Leaving Cert Higher Level), Construction Manufacturing (Leaving Cert. Applied), and Woodwork (Junior Cert).

Frances Cregan- M.Sc. (Computer Applications) B.A, H.Dip. Ed – Assistant Principal

Frances joined the college in 2001. She teaches Maths and Link Modules to Leaving Cert level along with taking all classes for Computer Studies and is currently teaching ECDL to Transition Year Students. She has taught in Plunkett College, Dublin where she was co-ordinator of I.C.T Programmes. She has been an assistant examiner for many I.T related subjects at Post Leaving Cert Level in addition to Leaving Cert Applied Examiner for Information Technology. She is an assistant principal teacher with responsibility for LCVP Co-Ordination in addition to the generation of the school timetable.

Cliodhna Ryan- B.A ( European Studies), H.Dip Ed, Grad Dip Ed. – Assistant Principal

Cliodhna graduated from the University of Limerick in 2000 with an Honours Degree in European Studies. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Education from University College Cork and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Trinity College Dublin. She has completed the S.P.H.E course run by the Mid-Western Health Board. She joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2001 where she now teaches German, French and S.P.H.E. Cliodhna is involved in training the Junior Girls Basketball Team. She is an Assistant Principal with responsibility for Transition Year. She has also been an assistant examiner for Leaving Cert Applied German.

Mairead Daly – B.A, H.D.E, T.T.G. Special Duties Teacher

Mairead has a B.A and a Higher Diploma in Education from University College Galway. She also completed her T.T.G in 1996. Mairead spent four years teaching in Patrician College, Ballyfin where she taught English and Irish to Leaving Cert Higher Level. Mairead has examined Irish Orals as well as correcting Junior and Leaving Cert English Exam Papers, She currently teaches English and Irish. she has a post of responsibility for the running of Green Schools and the School Environment

Miriam Garrihy- B.Ed Home Economics, H Dip(ed.) School Development Planning, Masters in Education – Assistant Principal

Miriam teaches Home Economics and L.C.V.P. Link Modules. Miriam has examined written and practical Home Economics State Examinations. Miriam is an Assistant Principal, a Yearhead, and has responsibility for School Accounts.

Sinead Clarson- B.A. H.Dip in Ed

Sinéad taught in Muckross Park College, Dublin, for four years before joining the staff of Hazelwood College in 2001. She studied French and Theology in Trinity College and did her H.Dip in Education in Maynooth. Sinéad has been an assistant examiner for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert. Applied.

Jonathan Fealy- B.Tech Ed, Grad Cert Ed, Grad Dip Ed. Mentoring – Assistant Principal

Jonathan graduated from the University of Limerick in 1998 with an honours B.Tech (Ed) in Materials and Construction. He began his teaching in St. Caimins Community School, Shannon. Jonathan has a keen interest in Outdoor Education and regularly takes groups away on outdoor pursuits trips. He teaches Woodwork and Construction Studies. Jonathan is an assistant principal, a yearhead, member of the Student Support Team, Curriculum Leaders Team and LCETB Digital Leaders Team. He responsible for all technology and I.C.T. in the school. He maintains the schools ICT infrastructure, website and our online V.L.E’s. He has completed postgraduate courses at the University of Limerick in the area of Educational Mentoring. Jonathan is a also a member of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board I.C.T. Steering Committee.

Marian Murphy – B.A H.Dip. in Ed

Marian holds a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Higher Diploma in Education from University College Cork. She currently teaches French to Leaving Cert Higher Level and Maths to Junior Cert level. She has also completed inservice in French for Leaving Cert Applied. Marian is responsible for the organisation of the European school tour. She has organised for groups to visit France, Germany, Spain, Holland, Belguim and England.

Louise Beamish – BSc in P.E and Irish – Special Duties Teacher (Career Break)

Louise joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2004 as a teacher of P.E and Irish. She holds an honours degree from the University of Limerick and has also taught in Colaiste Chriost Ri in Cork. Louise has a keen interest in Rugby and has played with U.L Bohs, Munster and Ireland. Louise has also completed in-service in Junior Cert Religion. She has a post of responsibility as the Schools Examinations Co-ordinator

Denis Mc Carthy – B.Sc, HDE, MSc Ed.

Denis graduated from NUI Galway in 1999 with a Bachelor of science. He also completed a H.Dip in education and Masters degree in science education in UCC. Denis teaches Physics and Maths to Leaving cert level, Science and Maths to Junior cert level. He is currently a member of the Irish maths teacher’s association and Institute of Physics. Denis has coached Gaelic football and mentored Young Scientist projects teams since joining the staff in 2004.

Margaret Griffin – M.Sc, B.Comm, HDE

Margaret joined the school teaching staff in 2004. She teaches Business and Information Technology. She holds a B.Comm and a Higher Diploma in Education from UCD and an M.Sc in Computing in Education.

Christine Brennan – BA, HDE, M.Ed. Grad Dip in S.E.N, Grad Dip Ed. Mentoring

Christine joined the staff in September 2006 from Scoil Pol Kilfinnane. She holds a BA, H.Dip and M.Ed from NUI Galway and a graduate diploma in S.E.N (Resource) from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Also a graduate diploma in Educational Mentoring from the University of Limerick

Gemma Curtin – BA, HDE, MA in Trad Music – Special Duties Teacher

Gemma holds a BA in Irish and Geography and a HDE from UCC along with an M.A in Traditional Music from U.L. She holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. She has also examined Irish orals at Leaving Certificate level as well as correcting Junior and Leaving Certificate Irish papers. She is interested in Irish Music and Set dancing and teaches weekly with the Comhaltas in Templeglantine.

Conor Murphy – B.Sc Physical Education – TY/LCA Programme Co-Ordinator

Conor joined the teaching staff in 2005 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Maths. He teaches both Mathematics and P.E. in the school and is programmes (T.Y., L.C.A and L.C.V.P) co-ordinator. He has a keen interest in Gaelic games and has coached many school teams since his arrival. He has completed a masters in conjunction with the Centre for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching based in U.L. on the teaching of Probability to 2nd level students, which was published as a Research Guide and distributed to 2nd level schools nationally. He has worked for the PDST and the Project Maths team as a local facilitator for the Limerick area.

Michelle Herbert – B. Sc Biological Sciences & Chemistry, M Ed Science – Special Duties Teacher

Michelle joined the teaching staff in 2006. Michelle complete a B Sc Ed in Biological Sciences with Chemistry in University of Limerick and graduated with a Masters in Science Education in University College Cork in October 2008. She is an active member of the Irish Science Teachers Association and the Irish Agricultural Science Teachers Association. Michelle is the School Book Scheme co ordinator. She is the camogie coach to the Senior, Junior and First year camogie teams.

Betty Cotter—B.A. H. Dip in Ed. – Special Duties Teacher

Betty joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2005 and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Information Systems Management. Betty has completed a Higher Diploma in Education in UCC and has recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs in Mary Immaculate College. Betty is also a tester/trainer of ECDL and is ECDL Co-Coordinator in Hazelwood College. Betty also holds a post of responsibility in the school as Director of Adult Education which involves organising night classes. Betty has a keen interest in drama and helps out in the annual school concert. Betty currently runs a summer camp in Hazelwood College for 8-16 year age group. Betty’s interests include: walking, swimming, theatre, cooking and shopping.

Brendan Kiely – B.A. H.Dip I.T. H.Dip. Ed. Post Grad. Dip. In Guidance and Counselling

Brendan teaches career guidance, counseling and SPHE having joined the staff in 2008. Brendan is involved in the training of the school football teams.

Noreen Daly – B.Ed Home Economics and R.E.

Noreen graduated from Lough Gill with an honours degree in Home Economics and Religious Education. She has previously taught in Cork, Tipperary and Kerry before joining Hazelwood College. She has completed inservice in Home Economics, C.S.P.E., S.P.H.E. and L.C.A. Noreen has been an assistant examiner of Leaving Certificate Home Economics journals, Junior Certificate Home Economics practicals and written papers. She is also a V.E.C. Adult Education Tutor in cookery and crafts. Noreen currently teaches Home Economics, C.S.P.E., S.P.H.E., Religion and Geography.

Marie O’ Connor – B Sc Ed in Biological Sciences

Marie joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2008. She has a First Class Honours Degree in Bachelor of Science Education from UL, a First Class Honours Higher Diploma in Social, Personal and Health Education from WIT. She has completed a Leadership and Management in Education Certificate with LIT and a Special Purpose Award in Creativity and Change with CIT. She has been a BT Young Scientist, Scifest, SEAI mentor, hosted school tours Nationally & Internationally and hosts the Annual Primary Schools’ Science Week Quiz. She teaches Science to Junior Cycle & Biology to Senior Cycle students at Hazelwood College. Marie is a qualified 200 Hour YTT and Level 1 & 2 Yin Yoga teacher. She holds qualifications in photography and has a keen interest in the arts, creativity, multiple outdoor activities and health. ​

Sinéad Walsh-B.A. (Gaeilge & Maths); M.A . (International Tourism); H. Dip. (Education).

Sinéad joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2008, as teacher of Gaeilge and Maths, having previously taught in Limerick and Kildare. She holds an honours B.A.and M.A. from the University of Limerick as well as a Higher Diploma in Education from NUI Galway. Sinéad has worked as an Assistant Examiner for the Irish Orals and for Junior Certificate Maths.

Matthew Finn – B.A, M.A, H.D.E

Matthew joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2008. He holds a B.A in English and History and an M.A in History and International Relations from University College Dublin. He also holds a H.D.E from University College Cork. He has previously taught in Cork and Dublin. Matthew also trains the U14 and first year hurling teams.

Noel O’ Grady – BBS – HDE

Noel graduated from Limerick Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business Computers degree in 2004. He also holds a Higher Diploma in Education from NUI Galway and a graduate diploma in Special Education Needs from Mary Immaculate College. He has worked as a examiner for HL Junior Certificate Business for the past two years and has a keen interest in accounting, agriculture and amateur film.

Emer O’Flaherty – B. Ed, H Econ, Diploma Organic Horticulture

Emer qualified from St. Catherine’s College of Home Economics, Sion Hill, Blackrock in 1988. She then worked for City of dublin VEC for 14 years. During this time Emer co-ordinated the Arts programme and JCSP. She was involved in outdoor pursuits programmes and syllabus development for Leaving Cert Applied HCT and CSPE. Emer came to Dromcollogher in 2012 and completed the Diploma in Organic Farming in An t-Ionad Glas. Emer has been teaching Home Economics and Catering & Tourism in Hazelwood College since 2004. She is also developing and teaching the Horticulture unit with Transition years.

Julie Corkery-B.A, H.Dip in Ed.

Julie joined our staff of Hazelwood College in September2010. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art and a Higher Diploma inEducation, where she received a first class honours in both qualifications. On completingher degree, Julie received student of the year in the area of academics and art.She coordinates the new Arts committee in the school which promotes creativityin students and promotes the work of the artistic students in the school. Julieholds a county camogie medal U16, U18 and Senior B with her local Camogie Cluband is the camogie coach in the school.

Ronan Farrell – B.A., H. Dip. in Ed, Grad. Dip in Learning Support

A graduate of NUI Galway, Ronan holds a B.A. in History and Sociology & Politics as well as a Higher Diploma in Education from NUI Maynooth. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Special Education from St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. Ronan currently teaches History, German, C.S.P.E. and Learning Support. He has worked as an Assistant Examiner for Leaving Cert History and coaches hurling in the school.

Martina Malone – B. Sc Ed in Biological Sciences

Martina joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2015. Martina completed a B.Sc. Ed in Biological Sciences with Physics in the University of Limerick and graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in August 2011. Martina previously taught in Youghal for four years before coming to Dromcollogher. Martina is a member of the Irish Science Teachers Association. Martina mentors students for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition competition and also the Scifest competition. Martina coaches camogie to Senior level students.

Aisling Culhane – B.A. in Maths and English, PDE

Aisling graduated in 2011 with an honours degree in Maths and English from UL. She then went on to complete the Professional Diploma in Maths Education in UL also. Aisling has previously taught in Listowel Community College, Comprehensive School Tarbert and Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Blarney. She has also worked as a tutor as part of UL’s Higher Level Leaving Certificate Maths helpdesk. Aisling has completed all Project Maths In-services and has also completed training to be a Numeracy Link teacher. Aisling currently teaches maths at both Junior and Senior Cycle and is involved in the girls’ junior football team.

Claudia Davis – B.A. Ed., Grad Dip Ed, M.A. French

Claudia graduated from NUI Galway with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and English. After several years abroad, she completed a Masters in French at the University of Limerick followed by a Graduate Diploma in Education. She works as an Assistant Examiner for State Oral Exams in French. Since 2014, Claudia has been teaching French and English at Hazelwood College. She has also been teaching LC Politics & Society since 2016. Claudia has trained and worked in the area of behaviour support and English as Another Language, and is involved in school debating and junior girls basketball.

Ciara Broderick B.A., PGDE, MBus ‏

Ciara joined the staff of Hazelwood College in August 2015. She graduated from University of Limerick in 2010 with honours Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Business). She also completed a Master’s in Business in 2011 in the Institute of Technology in Tralee. Ciara teaches Business and LCVP in Hazelwood College. She also has experience in correcting Junior Certificate Higher Level Business Studies exams and is a member of the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland (BSTAI). Ciara is currently a coach for the junior girl’s football team in the school.

Gráinne Phelan – B.Sc Physical Education & Gaeilge

Gráinne joined the staff of Hazelwood College in 2016. Gráinne graduated from the University of Limerick in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Gaeilge. She completed a Masters in Adapted Physical Activity from KU Leuven Belgium in 2015. Gráinne specialised in Active Lifestyle and Psychology, completing her thesis work in UQ, Brisbane, Australia. She is a member of the Physical Education Association of Ireland. Gráinne is the current head of the P.E. Department and spearheading the introduction of P.E as a Leaving Certificate subject since 2019. Gráinne currently teaches Junior Cycle Gaeilge and PE, Senior Cycle Gaeilge and PE, and Leaving Certificate Physical Education in the school. She has been involved with Basketball, Swimming, Athletics and Ladies Football in school.

Meghan Matthews- B.A (Mathematics and Gaeilge), Professional Masters of Education

Meghan graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Gaeilge in 2015. She has also completed her Professional Masters of Education in UCC. She currently teaches Mathematics and Gaeilge. She is also a coach for the Senior Ladies Football Team in the school.

Denise Ryan B.A Hdip

Denise joined Hazelwood College in 2019. She qualified with a Bachelor of arts degree from Mary Immaculate college in English and Religion in 2001 . She has a higher diploma in Education from UCC. Denise teaches higher level English at Leaving cert  and Junior cert level. She also teaches SPHE and Religion and is head of our Wellbeing department. She has corrected Junior and Leaving cert English for the State exam commission for many years and also has completed numerous inservices for the new junior cycle English .

 

Ailise McNamara B.A., Grad Dip Ed, MA Modern History, Grad Dip in School Development Planning & Grad Dip Special Ed

Ms McNamara has a graduate diploma in Special Education Needs from Mary Immaculate College Limerick. She qualified originally with a degree in History and Anthropology from NUI Maynooth. Where she also completed a Masters in modern Irish history, she has been a teacher of Resource, History and Geography for the past fourteen years. 

Declan Rattigan B.Sc in PE and Maths, M.Ed

Declan graduated from the University of Limerick with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Mathematics teaching.  He has since completed a Masters in Mathematics Education from Trinity College Dublin.  Declan is a member of both the Physical Education Association of Ireland and the Irish Maths Teachers Association.  Declan has also been an examiner for the State Examinations Commission for several years and he currently teaches Maths to Junior and Leaving Certificate level.  

Aoife Brosnan BA Home Economics and Biology, Professional Masters of Education.

Aoife graduated from St Angela’s College, Sligo in 2020 and is one of the first PME graduates from St. Angela’s College. She joined the staff in 2020 and is teaching Home Economics at junior and senior cycle, along with Hotel Catering and Tourism and Health studies in Leaving Cert Applied.

Aishling Houlihan​, B. Business, PME Education

Graduated in 2015 from University of Limerick with a Bachelors of Business with Accounting and Financial Services. Aishling also has a Professional Masters in Education of Business and Maths from Hibernia College, graduating in 2018. Aishling joined staff in 2020 and teachers junior cycle and leaving cert Business and Social Education for Leaving Cert Applied.​

Therese Quaid B.A. (English and Geography) P.G.D.E (English and Geography)

Therese joined the staff of Hazelwood College in September 2017, as a teacher of English and Geography. Therese previously taught in Limerick, Cork, Lisburn and Australia. Therese Graduated from Mary Immaculate College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree (Honours). Therese also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from University College Cork

Shane Stack B. Ed. P.E. and Irish

Graduated from University of Limerick in 2018 with a Bachelor degree in Physical Education and Irish. Joined Hazelwood College staff in 2018 and is involved in coaching the school sports teams for Hurling and Basketball.