John Kearney
John Kearney is the chief executive of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in Ireland, where he plays a pivotal role in advocating for and overseeing the allocation and support of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) in schools. Under his leadership, the NCSE has implemented new measures aimed at enhancing the job security of SNAs, ensuring that their valuable skills are retained even as the needs of students shift between schools.
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Recent news mentions
John Kearney is the defense barrister representing Stephen McCullagh in the murder trial.
Ex-girlfriend of accused tells trial he punched her during suicide attempt – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-03-07
John Kearney, chief executive of the NCSE, told the committee it 'duly notes and apologises for any and all upset and uncertainty caused to children, parents, special-needs assistants and school communities in recent weeks'.
Teacher suffered five broken teeth trying to keep child safe in classroom that was refused extra SNA – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-03-05
John Kearney is the defence barrister representing Stephen McCullagh.
Murder accused spent time with Natalie McNally’s body while ‘distraught’ at wake – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-03-04
John Kearney is the defense barrister who questioned the pathologist about the sequence of the attack.
Natalie McNally suffered ‘prolonged assault’, murder trial hears – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-25
John Kearney is the defence barrister arguing for Stephen McCullagh.
Trial of man accused of murdering pregnant partner put back to next year – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-05
John Kearney served as Canada’s second High Commissioner to Ireland in the early 1940s.
‘This would be a temple in Canada’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-15
The council’s chief executive, John Kearney, said progress was going 'very well' in offering places to pupils.
Mother rails against ‘broken system’ after special needs child shunned by 60 schools – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-02
John Kearney, NCSE chief executive, said the new measure will build capacity in the SNA workforce by ensuring 'valuable skills are not lost as the level of need shifts between schools'.
Job security boost for special needs assistants in schools under new scheme – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-24