It is with great sadness that Educate Together marks the passing of Former Minister for Education Mary O’Rourke, a great champion of the need for multi-denominational education in Ireland.
As Minister for Education from 1987 to 1991, she sanctioned seven new Educate Together schools in Cork, Limerick, Sligo, Kilkenny and Dublin, listening to parents and challenging the status quo at the time.
After she retired from politics, Mary served on Educate Together’s board from 2011 to 2017. She brought a wealth of experience, common sense and good humour to the board at a time of great momentum in the Educate Together movement, when 32 new schools were opened, and Educate Together’s groundbreaking second-level model was established.
Throughout her career as a public representative and volunteer board member, Mary played a pivotal role in supporting the causes of multi-denominational education, children’s rights and parental choice in education.
The board of directors of Educate Together offers its deepest sympathy to Mary’s family, friends and former colleagues. She leaves a significant legacy in Irish education, and she will be fondly remembered.
