Portrait Of Donogh O’Malley Presented At Kerry ETB

A PORTRAIT presentation at Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB)  recently honoured former Minister for Education Donogh O’Malley, whose introduction of free post-primary education changed Ireland within a generation.

The portrait, created by Limerick artist Declan Chambers, was formally presented by Michael O’Dwyer, who worked with Kerry ETB to organise the event marking O’Malley’s contribution to Irish education.

Before free post-primary education and expanded school transport were introduced in 1967, many young people in Kerry left school early because their families could not afford to continue their education.

Continued below…

O’Malley’s reforms changed that. In counties such as Kerry, the impact was immediate, opening doors for students who might otherwise never have progressed beyond primary school.

Chairperson of Kerry ETB Councillor Norma Moriarty said the reforms marked a major moment in Irish social history and continue to shape communities across Kerry.

“Donogh O’Malley’s introduction of free post-primary education transformed access to learning for generations of families across Ireland, including here in Kerry,” she said. “For many rural communities, education became a pathway to opportunity and advancement. The impact of that decision is still visible across the county today.”

Cllr Moriarty said the scale of the reform still stands out today.

“When you look back at Ireland in the 1960s, those reforms were extraordinary,” she said. “He recognised that talent existed in every parish and community, regardless of income or background, and he believed education should be open to all.”

Chief Executive of Kerry ETB Ann O’Dwyer said the values and principles introduced by Donogh O’Malley still shape education across Kerry and Ireland.

“Access and opportunity remain central to education through our schools, apprenticeships, further education and training and community learning programmes,” she said. “The educational landscape in Kerry and across Ireland changed because of the vision Donogh showed during his short time as Minister for Education. Given the context of the time, he showed remarkable courage and determination.”

Speaking at the event, Michael O’Dwyer said discussions are underway around a possible publication to coincide with the 60th anniversary of O’Malley’s death in 2028.

“We are discussing a possible publication and speaking to a number of people about it,” he said. “It may become a collection of memories and reflections from people who knew Donogh or were influenced by his work.”