Our team
Meet the team behind Children's Books Ireland
Elaina Ryan, CEO
Elaina Ryan has a background in children's publishing: she holds an MLitt in Publishing from University of Stirling and is former Managing Editor of Little Island books, where she worked closely with Ireland's inaugural Laureate na nÓg, Siobhán Parkinson. She is co-Artistic Director, with Niamh Sharkey, of Towers and Tales, the Lismore Story Festival in County Waterford. Elaina Ryan joined Children's Books Ireland in 2013.
Jenny Murray, Deputy CEO
Jenny Murray, originally from Co. Sligo, holds a BA arts degree and a HDip in arts administration both from National University Ireland, Galway. She has worked in the arts for over twenty years, and has worked in Children's Books Ireland in various capacities since 2004. She is currently the Deputy CEO of the organisation.
Aoife Murray, Programme and Events Manager
Aoife Murray holds an MPhil in Popular Literature from Trinity College. She has worked at Children's Books Ireland since 2011, working in public relations previously. Aoife lives in Dublin with her husband and son. She is currently Programme and Events Manager at the organisation.
Aoife McDonnell, Book Gifting Manager
Aoife has an honours degree in English, Media & Cultural Studies & worked as a bookseller on graduating college. After 14 years in the area of Charity Retailing, Aoife is delighted to have the opportunity to combine her experience in the fast paced & dynamic charity retail world with her love of books. With 3 kids at home, it’s a fantastic opportunity to combine her loves of kids, books & the not-for-profit sector.
Claire Hourihane, Communications Manager
Cork native Claire Hourihane joined the team in July, 2021. Claire holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin, a postgraduate diploma in Journalism & Media Studies from Dublin Business School and has a background in fundraising and digital marketing. Claire works as the Communications Manager for the organisation.
Sarah Walsh, Administrator and Office Manager
Sarah hails from Co. Mayo and has been working in arts administration and management since completing her MA in Music & Management at the University of Leeds in 2015. She holds a BA and a BMus from University College Dublin. Sarah joined the team as Administrator & Office Manager in June 2022.
Ruth Ní Eidhin, Project Manager Laureate na nÓg
Ruth holds a BA in English Literature & History from Trinity College Dublin, a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology from Dublin City University, and a Higher Diploma in Journalism & Communications from Griffith College, Dublin. She has a background in not-for-profit communications. Ruth joined the team in January 2022.
Ruth Ennis, Book Gifting Assistant
Ruth Ennis is from Kildare. She has an M.Phil. in Children’s Literature from Trinity College Dublin. She has experience in publishing, literary festivals and bookselling. She is an aspiring writer of children’s books. She has worked with Children’s Books Ireland in different capacities since 2018 and is now working as Book Gifting Assistant.
Ruth Concannon, Publications Officer
Originally from Galway, literature and a love of sharing stories with others has always been at the heart of Ruth’s career. Ruth’s career began as an intern with Children’s Books Ireland in 2014, working on a freelance basis with the organisation as a Book Doctor. Ruth has held roles in many areas of the book world as a children’s bookseller and buyer, Reader in Residence with Dublin City Public Libraries, a library assistant with DCU Libraries and as an Education Assistant at The National Library of Ireland. Ruth holds a BA in English and History and an MA in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama from University College Dublin. Ruth completed her MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature from Dublin City University in 2019.
Marianne O’Kane Boal, Research Officer
Marianne is a curator and writer on art and architecture since 1998. She writes for the Irish Arts Review, Circa, Perspective, Living Design, Visual Artists Newsletter and Architecture Ireland. Marianne holds a B.A. in History of Art and English and an M.A. in American Literature from University College Dublin. She is currently completing a PhD in Social Research at IT Sligo. Marianne joined the team in August 2021.
Conall Mac Dhonnagáin, Oifigeach Gaeilge
Is as Baile Átha Cliath do Chonall Mac Dhonnagáin agus céim aige sa Ghaeilge agus san Eacnamaíocht ó Choláiste na hOllscoile BÁC. D’oibrigh sé le Raidió na Gaeltachta ar feadh cúpla bliain roimh theacht chuig Leabhair Pháistí Éireann. Bíonn sé le clos ar RnaG, Raidió Rí-Rá agus Newstalk go rialta fós agus é ag clamhsán faoi thionscal na siamsaíochta. Thosaigh sé sa ról mar Oifigeach Gaeilge mí Iúil 2023.
Conall hails from Dublin and graduated from UCD with a degree in Irish and Economics. He worked at Raidió na Gaeltachta before coming to Children's Books Ireland. You can still hear him regularly ranting about the entertainment industry on RnaG, Raidió Rí-Rá and Newstalk. He began in the role of Irish Language Officer in July 2023.
Emma Larkin, Financial Controller
Emma Larkin is from Cork but has been living in Kerry since 2006. Emma is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. She has a degree in law from UCC and a higher diploma in Business and Financial Information Systems, also from UCC. Emma completed her training as a chartered accountant in Ernst & Young in Cork. Emma is also a children’s book writer. Emma joined the team in June 2022.
Dan Conroy, Social Media Officer
Dan Conroy has a long standing interest in the children’s book sector. In particular he enjoys picture books and the illustrations that bring them to life. He graduated from NCAD in 2015 with a BA in Visual Communications and enjoys how his job as Social Media Officer allows him to use his creative background to promote children’s literature.
