After the success of our record-breaking conference in 2024, it is a privilege to return once again to Galway for Conference 2025. Each year, our gathering grows in strength, and it is now firmly established as one of the highlights of the professional calendar for school leaders. This is more than a conference, it is a place to connect, to learn, to be inspired, and to remind ourselves of the significance of our work.
Our hope is that you leave here energised, affirmed, and renewed in your confidence that the role you play is transformative. Leading a school is never easy, it is complex, demanding, and at times exhausting but it is also rewarding, inspiring, and impactful. Each of you is a significant figure in the lives of your staff and your students.
I am often reminded of this when I meet former students. Recently, at a family gathering, a parent introduced me to his children as “my Principal.” He wanted them to meet the person he believed had helped shape the course of his life. That moment was humbling, and it reminded me and I hope reminds all of us, that even when it feels like we are “barking up trees,” our leadership is shaping futures in ways we may never fully realise.
That is why it is so important that we come together here in Galway: to pause, reflect, encourage one another, and celebrate the difference we make. Tell your colleagues, share with new friends you will make here, and remind yourselves that your work matters.
Last year, our theme was Reimagine Leadership, with a focus on prioritising school leaders. This year, we build on that momentum. Our vision for 2025 is to Reimagine Leadership in changing times, recognising the myriad of changes that are currently being implemented in our system and our schools. We know that as leaders, to our own detriment, we take on too much. Whether in the successful delivery of initiatives such as the Junior Cycle Book Scheme or in how schools continue to adapt to ever-changing challenges. The recent Secretaries and Caretakers strike brought it home to many of us. The message is clear, we can’t do it all anymore. Yet we also know that school leaders have not yet been given the priority that we deserve in successive budgets. The commencement of the Action Research Project that was outlined in the programme for government is very welcome. But it is only a small start. Much more is needed. As your professional association, our mission remains clear: to put you, the school leader, first.
On behalf of the Presidents and Officers of the Association, I extend a warm welcome to Conference 2025 and also to all of our guests. I thank the senior officials from the Department of Education, the Management Bodies, Teacher Unions, Parents and Student Representative Bodies, and the many state agencies and organisations we work with throughout the year. Your courtesy, cooperation, and commitment ensures that our schools can operate effectively.
I also wish to acknowledge the outstanding work of our President, Anton O’Mahony, for his leadership and dedication, along with our Past President, Regina Butler, Vice President, Brian Doran and the members of the National Executive. Your tireless efforts on behalf of members are invaluable. Sincere thanks also to our regional committees, sub-committees, and working groups for their behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed but never unappreciated.
To our associates Barry O’Callaghan, Máire Ní Broithe, Mary Keane, Dermot Carney and David McEvoy, thank you for your professionalism, organisation, and constant support. And of course, a special mention to Rachel O’Connor, whose energy and inspiration continue to drive us forward. A huge welcome to Una McShane and Kerrie Dwyer to the team in Head Office. You will get to meet Una and Kerrie here at conference and you will get to know them better over the next while when you interact with NAPD Head Office.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and to the Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education for their financial support.
Finally, I urge you to take these days in Galway to focus on yourselves. Invest in your own professional growth, give yourself permission to reflect, and consider the small but powerful changes you can make to empower others and strengthen the sustainability of your leadership.
Welcome to Galway. Welcome to Conference 2025.
Paul Crone, Director