Statement on the appointment of Maeve Mahon as CEO of CEIST

06 Dec 2024

I congratulate Maeve Mahon on her appointment today as Chief Executive Officer of CEIST (the Catholic Education Irish Schools Trust).  Maeve joined the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin as Diocesan Advisor to Primary Schools in 1994.  On behalf of my predecessors, our priests and Primary School communities of the diocese I want to express my sincere thanks for her contribution in so many ways over these past thirty years.

Maeve had a vital role in the introduction and implementation of the new Religious Education Curriculum in the Diocese, providing on-site support and peer support to Principals, staff and school communities. The pupils of our schools past and present, have benefitted greatly from her catechetical work and resources; of special mention her publication Prayers for Children.  An important part of Maeve’s work in the Diocese was linking home, school and parish. She with Fr. Martin Delaney developed, Do this in Memory, for those preparing for First Holy Communion. She built upon the Faith Friends Programme, developing both, You Shall be my Witnesses and Together we welcome the Spirit

Maeve worked as part of the Faith Development Services team and was fully immersed in all the projects FDS have engaged with over the years. She co-authored with her colleague Julie Kavanagh Baptism – a welcome for your child. She represented the Diocese on numerous national bodies and served on the Diocesan Education Council since its inception. 

Maeve and Bryan O’Reilly provided trojan support to Boards, Principals, and staff through the Covid Pandemic.  She has managed the Primary Redeployment Panel for several years.  With the Diocesan Education Council, she prepared and facilitated the induction and training of New Boards of Management. In recent months I appointed her Diocesan Secretary for Primary Education.  

Maeve brings her deep personal faith, her desire to serve others and a wealth of experience to her new role.  On behalf of all of us in the Diocese, I wish Maeve every blessing as she prepares to take up her position as CEO of CEIST in January, knowing that we will very much miss her presence, professionalism and personable approach.

Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin

ENDS