New INTO president is from West Cork

The new president of one of the biggest unions in the country says she wants every child to receive the high-quality education they deserve.

Anne Horan is the new president of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation. From Ballineen in West Cork, Anne lives in Glin, Co. Limerick. She has represented District 13, covering Limerick and Kerry on the INTO Central Executive Committee since 2015.

Anne has been a member of the INTO since she began teaching in 1980 and has worked at all levels of the union from staff representative to member of the Benefits Fund Committee to a full member of the Central Executive Committee.

Anne has taught children of all ages and classes over her career. She sees education as important in helping each child to achieve their potential in life. She is a firm believer in the importance of personal development and enjoys studying to further her own knowledge base. Anne is forever grateful to the teachers and colleagues who provided support to her since the beginning of her career.

She said: “The redevelopment of the curriculum marks an exciting new chapter for our primary schools. INTO is committed to securing face-to-face training and robust resources to support teachers through this important transition. While challenges lie ahead, together we’ll ensure every child continues to receive the high-quality education they deserve.”

Following graduation from Mary Immaculate College, Anne began teaching in Dunmanus NS (a one teacher school), on the Mizen Peninsula in 1980. In 1986, she moved to West Limerick where after a number of years working as a substitute teacher, she taught in St Fergus NS in Glin. In 2008, Anne moved to Carrickerry NS, a three-teacher rural school in West Limerick, where she is currently a teaching principal.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), founded in 1868, is the oldest and largest teachers’ trade union in Ireland. It represents 45,948 teachers at primary level in the Republic of Ireland and 7,216 teachers at primary and post-primary level in Northern. Ireland. Total membership is 53, 164, as of December 2024.

Stressing the importance of attendance in Union events, including branch meetings, Anne said she will, during her presidency, strive to encourage participation at all levels.