Mary Keogh announced as inaugural recipient of IoD Ireland’s Gary Kennedy Bursary

(Pictured L to R: Helen Nolan, President, IoD Ireland; Mary Keogh, Chair of the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) and Advocacy Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion; and John Reynolds CDir, Council Member, IoD Ireland. Photography: Peter Houlihan/Coalesce)

Established in memory of the late Gary Kennedy, this annual bursary aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the leadership and governance landscape by recognising individuals whose unique perspectives and lived experiences can enrich boardrooms and executive decision-making.

Mary Keogh is Chair of the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), a global network of 35 civil society organisations committed to advancing inclusive international development and humanitarian action. Professionally, she serves as Advocacy Director at CBM Global Disability Inclusion. With a PhD in Law and Public Policy, her research focuses on gender, disability and human rights. She is also an accredited mediator.

Speaking on the announcement, Mary Keogh said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive this bursary in Gary Kennedy’s name and extremely grateful to the Institute of Directors Ireland for creating such an important opportunity. I am excited to begin the Chartered Director Programme and to apply the insights and skills to my professional work and advocacy."

Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive of IoD Ireland, commented:

“The Gary Kennedy Bursary was created to honour Gary’s legacy by supporting inclusivity and identifying high-potential individuals from under-represented backgrounds. Mary Keogh is a deserving recipient of the bursary, and we look forward to supporting her journey in governance and leadership.”

The IoD Ireland Gary Kennedy Bursary reflects the organisation’s broader commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable professional environment. Through this on-going initiative, the IoD seeks to empower individuals from under-represented communities by providing access to development opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.

Applications for the 2025/2026 bursary will open shortly. The Bursary includes one fully funded place on the IoD Chartered Director Programme commencing. The bursary will cover full programme costs, including the cost of sitting the Certificate and Diploma exams, application for the CDir designation if the candidate is eligible, and a year’s complimentary membership of the IoD. The value of the Bursary is €16,800.