Ms Shanahan graduated from University College Dublin with a double joint major in English and geography. She continued her studies at Trinity College Dublin, gaining a Professional Master of Education in Secondary teaching, specialising in English and geography education with an elective in drama education.
Ms Shanahan had an interest in education from a very young age, mentoring her younger sisters as she grew up. It was this that led her to a job in teaching. Her first appointment was in a disadvantaged school in inner-city Dublin. She thoroughly enjoyed working with these young people and learnt much about the positive role education can play in the lives of young people here. Following this she was appointed as a teacher of English and geography in an International School in Dublin, where she worked for the past five years.
In addition to teaching, Ms Shanahan has a real interest in pastoral care. She has been a form tutor and has worked to set up a student leadership initiative and House System in her previous school.
Ms Shanahan has many interests outside of school, particularly reading, travelling and various sports. She loves nothing more than watching, and previously playing, Gaelic Football and Hurling, the national sports of Ireland. In recent years she has also played tag rugby. Her love of travel, culture and food are at the forefront of most things she does, and she is grateful that teaching allows her time to indulge in all of these passions.
