Mayo academic recognised with prestigious teaching excellence award

A Mayo man who is an academic at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick (MIC) has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to teaching and learning through the 2024/25 Regional Teaching Excellence Award (RTEA). The prestigious award celebrates excellence in higher education teaching across the Shannon Region, with this year’s winners and nominees honoured at a ceremony held at the Millennium Theatre in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) on May 28.

Hailing from Castlebar, Dr Cian O’Brien who is a lecturer in Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Studies, were among seven exceptional educators from MIC, University of Limerick (UL) and TUS shortlisted for the award.

Dr O’Brien also expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating: “It is an honour to be nominated for this award. Preparing the teaching portfolio and reflecting on my practices was a very rewarding experience. Being shortlisted so early in my career is a meaningful recognition of my effort to create an engaging and supportive learning environment. I feel encouraged to keep growing as an educator and continue learning from my students and colleagues.”

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The RTEA is a collaborative initiative between MIC, UL, and TUS. Since its establishment, the award has aimed to recognise and promote outstanding teaching practice in higher education across the Shannon Region. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes the submission of a detailed teaching portfolio drawing on multiple sources of evidence of excellence.

Dr Katherine Whitehurst, Director of Teaching and Learning at MIC’s Learning Enhancement and Academic Development (LEAD) Centre, commented: “The Regional Teaching Excellence Award celebrates teaching excellence amongst Higher Education teachers from the Shannon Region. It is an opportunity to showcase best practice and recognise the innovative approaches taken by educators in the classroom.

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"This year LEAD is delighted to see two MIC academics, Dr Síle Ní Choincheannain, Léachtóir san Oideachas le saineolas sa Ghaeilge, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education, and Dr Cian O’Brien, Lecturer in Mathematics, Department of Maths and Computer Studies, Faculty of Arts, shortlisted for the Regional Teaching Excellence Award. We believe their work exemplifies best practice in the College, with their commitment to teaching excellence demonstrated by their inspiring approach to teaching.”

Shortlisting for the 2025/26 Regional Teaching Excellence Awards will open in October 2025.