CEIST Annual Conference, Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Thursday and Friday October 1st & 2nd, 2026. 

As with previous years, this two day event will consist of several Speakers, Workshops and other Gatherings.

Conference Programme 2026

Day One

Golf

Athlone Golf Club

Viking Tours

Boat tour on Lough Ree

Registration

Celebration of Mass

Celebrant: Most Rev Michael Duignan, Bishop of Clonfert, Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh, and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora
Choir: Presentation College, Headford | Director: Ita Cunningham

Welcome Address

Maeve Mahon, CEO | Introduction of New CEIST Team

Cothú: Voices Around the Table

A shared conversation about nurturing faith, leadership and community in our schools
Roche Centre for Catholic Education Team, Boston College

Day Two

Workshops

Every Learner, Unlimited Potential

Nurturing Inclusive Special Classes in CEIST  Schools

Gareth Donnelly, Deputy Principal, Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan

Practical insight into specialist learning spaces, flexible curriculum pathways, staffing and whole-school collaboration – creating inclusive provision in which every learner can thrive.

Balancing Priorities at Senior Cycle

Curriculum planning around Religious Education and SPHE from 2027

David McCormack, Principal, Scoil Mhuire, Trim & John O’Roarke, FLG, CEIST

Exploring curriculum planning in the context of Catholic school ethos and the introduction of 60 hours of SPHE from 2027.

Safe Schools, Protected Communities

Working with Allianz to Manage Risk in CEIST  Schools

Emma Coughlan, Head of Education Claims & Alan Black, Education Manager, Allianz

Tailored insights from CEIST school surveys and claims, practical ways to strengthen school safety culture, and case studies highlighting lessons from legal actions.

The Student Voice

Ember Team, St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush

Keynote

Hildegarde Naughton, Minister for Education & Youth

Scattering Prayer

Choir: Our Lady’s College, Greenhills, Drogheda | Director: Gráinne Diskin