Staff

Ballycanew National School Staff

Our Autism Classes

Our school has three classes for autistic children, with each class consisting of six pupils, one teacher, and at least two Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). This supportive setting enables pupils to be part of a mainstream school community while benefiting from a learning environment tailored to their individual needs. Students are encouraged to participate in the curriculum alongside their peers as much as possible, while receiving additional support in areas where they may experience challenges, helping them learn, grow, and thrive with confidence. At Ballycanew National School staff is our priority.

No.	Name	Role/Position
1	Seamus Dempsey	Principal
2	Claire O’Donnell	SET Teacher – Post Holder 1 (Job sharing with Áine Nagle)
3	Mary Kirwan Doyle	Senior Infants – Deputy Principal
4	Karen McGillycuddy	3rd Class – Post Holder 2 (Job sharing with Lorna Doyle)
5	Áine Nagle	SET Teacher (Job sharing with Claire O’Donnell)
6	Lorna Doyle	3rd Class Teacher (Job sharing with Karen McGillycuddy)
7	Claire O’Sullivan	SET Teacher (Job sharing with Karen Purcell)
8	Aileen O’Connor	1st Class B
9	Karen Purcell	SET Teacher (Job sharing with Claire O’Sullivan)
10	Catherine Mackey	6th Class
11	Donna Hayden	SET Teacher
12	Pamela Murphy	Junior Infants
13	Niamh Hore	East Wing – Primary 1
14	Anna Gahan	SET Teacher
15	Aisling Cummins	1st Class A
16	Denise Davitt	SET Teacher (Job sharing with Nicola Delvin)
17	Mags Byrne	5th Class
18	Sharon McGlynn	2nd Class
19	Aideen Byrne	East Wing _ Primary 3
20	Catriona Murphy	Maternity Leave
21	Nicola Devlin	SET Teacher (Job sharing with Denise Davitt)
22	Amelia McComiskey	4th Class
23	Sarah Whyte	East Wing – Primary 2

Special Needs Assistants

Special Needs Assistants at Ballycanew National School staff play a vital role in supporting pupils with additional educational needs. They work closely with teachers to provide care, guidance, and one-to-one or small group support, ensuring that every child is included and able to participate fully in school life. Our dedicated SNAs help create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where pupils can build confidence, develop independence, and reach their full potential. Through their commitment and compassion, the Special Needs Assistants contribute greatly to the inclusive and caring ethos of our school community. They also assist with daily classroom routines, encourage positive behaviour, and support pupils’ emotional and social development, helping them feel secure, valued, and motivated throughout their learning journey.

1.	Mary Crean
2.	Eleanor Hore (job sharing with Teresa O’Brien)
3.	Alison Kavanagh
4.	Mandy Darcy
5.	Mary McComiskey
6.	Lisa Ferguson
7.	Bridget Curran
8.	Caroline Malanowski
9.	Teresa O’Brien (job sharing with Eleanor Hore)
10.	Christina Doolan
11.	Annemarie Morris
12.	Gina Kavanagh
13.	Julie Robertson
14.	Marie Sinnott
15.	Caoibhe McAllister

Ancillary Staff

At Ballycanew National School Staff of Ancillary play an important role in the smooth day-to-day running of the school. They include our secretary, caretaker, and cleaning staff who ensure that the school environment is well maintained, safe, and organised for pupils and teachers. Their hard work supports all aspects of school life behind the scenes, helping to create a clean, efficient, and welcoming environment where teaching and learning can take place effectively. Their contribution is essential to the overall functioning and success of the school community. They also assist in maintaining school facilities, supporting events, and ensuring a positive and well-managed environment for everyone throughout the year.