Dr Cora O’Farrell appointed the new director of the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education

Dr. Cora O’Farrell was announced as the new Director of the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education at an event with Archbishop Dermot Farrell and President of Dublin City University Prof Daire Keogh.

Archbishop Farrell commented: ‘Congratulations to Dr Cora O’Farrell on her appointment as Director of the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education at Dublin City University. I have no doubt that Dr O’Farrell’s academic work and support for her students, her interests in liturgy and sacraments, and spirituality, and her links with parish and with the Diocese, will all contribute significantly to reflection at the Centre on Catholic life and its importance for individuals, for the Church and for society.’

Dr O’Farrell’s background in education was initially as a primary school teacher, serving as a class teacher, learning support teacher and Home School Community Liaison coordinator. She became involved in teacher education early in her career through the facilitation of Continuing Professional Development courses. She began her career in teacher education in 2000 at Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education,. She joined St Patrick’s College in 2008 and became part of the School of Human Development at the DCU Institute of Education established in 2016. She has contributed to teaching and research in the field of religious education  since that time contributing to national and international networks. 

Dr O’Farrell is a member of the Council for Catechetics of the Irish Episcopal Conference and has been involved with a number of initiatives in Catholic Education. She played an active role in the development of the Grow In Love programme for Religious Education in primary schools on the island of Ireland.