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| 5 Jun 2025 | |
| Good News Corner |
Established in memory of the late Gary Kennedy, the annual Gary Kennedy Bursary supports diversity, equity, and inclusion within leadership and governance by recognising individuals whose unique perspectives and lived experiences have the potential to enrich boardrooms and executive decision-making.
This year’s recipient is Mary Keogh, Chair of the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), a global network comprising 35 civil society organisations dedicated to promoting inclusive international development and humanitarian action. Keogh also serves as Advocacy Director at CBM Global Disability Inclusion. She holds a PhD in Law and Public Policy, with a research focus on gender, disability, and human rights, and is an accredited mediator.
Commenting on the award, Keogh expressed her appreciation:
“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, remarked:
“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 Gary Kennedy Bursary reflects IoD Ireland’s broader commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape. Through this ongoing initiative, the organisation aims to empower individuals from under-represented communities by providing access to leadership development opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
Applications for the 2025/2026 bursary will open shortly. The award includes one fully funded place on the IoD Chartered Director Programme, covering the full programme fee, examination costs for the Certificate and Diploma, application for the CDir designation (where eligible), and a year’s complimentary membership of IoD Ireland. The total value of the bursary is €16,800.
