Articles - Home Economics at a Historic Turning Point as New National Executive Takes Office

Home Economics at a Historic Turning Point as New National Executive Takes Office

On Saturday, 24th January, members of the Association of Teachers of Home Economics elected their first male President, Denis Carrigan, marking a historic moment in the ongoing evolution of a subject that continues to challenge outdated stereotypes. Denis Carrigan is a Home Economics teacher at St. Laserian’s Special School, Carlow, and a graduate of St Angela’s College, Sligo, with a Professional master’s in education (Home Economics) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. 

He will lead a newly elected national executive that reflects the diversity of Home Economics education today, with representation from mainstream post-primary and special school settings, newly qualified teachers, higher education, and those still completing their initial teacher education, ensuring that a wide range of professional perspectives inform the work of the Association at this pivotal point. The Executive includes, Denis Carrigan (President); Vice President, Una O’Neill (Nagle Community College, Cork); Public Relations Officer, Megan Smith (B.Ed 3 student at ATU St Angelas); Secretary, Kelly McHugh (Lecturer MTU); Treasurer, Mercy Oyeniyi (St. Mark’ Community School, Dublin); IFHE representative, Dr Amanda McCloat, Head of ATU St. Angela’s, Sligo, and President of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE).

This diversity within the national executive mirrors the breadth and relevance of Home Economics itself. The subject supports all students by equipping them with practical, real-world skills they use every day, from nutrition and health to independence, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. Through its focus on everyday life skills, Home Economics continues to play an important role in preparing young people for life beyond school.

Tribute was also paid to the outgoing national executive for their commitment and service to Home Economics education. Outgoing President Helen Allen was acknowledged for her many years of dedication, with her work at both branch level and on the national executive playing a significant role in guiding the organisation through a period of change and development. Thanks, were also extended to Laura Gill for her years of service as Treasurer, and to Lucy Smith, Vice President, for her valuable contribution.

This is a particularly important year for Home Economics education The current Leaving Certificate Home Economics syllabus, introduced in 2004, is undergoing significant reform, with a new Specification due to be introduced in schools in September 2027. The draft specification is expected to be published imminently for consultation, and many teachers are eagerly awaiting its release. These developments will shape the subject for years to come and make collaboration across the profession more important than ever.

As this reform process unfolds, Home Economics teachers share a common goal of ensuring that the subject continues to reflect its core strengths: practical learning, real-life relevance, and preparation for everyday living. With a strong and diverse national executive in place, the Association of Teachers of Home Economics is committed to supporting teachers and advocating for a subject that continues to be relevant, practical, and meaningful.

Outgoing National Executive – Una O’Neill (Secretary), Helen Allen (President), Lucy Smith (Vice President) and Denis Carrigan (Public Relations Officer)

National Executive – Mercy Oyeniyi (Treasurer), Una O’Neill (Vice Prsident), Megan Smith (Public Relations Officer), Denis Carrigan (President) and Kelly McHugh (Secretary)