Ár mBord | Childrens Books Ireland

Madeleine Keane, Chair

Madeleine Keane is an editor, lecturer, and journalist. She was educated at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. She joined the Sunday Independent in 1988 and has been its Literary Editor for the last 20 years. She presented a book programme for RTÉ TV (First Edition) and has written a non-fiction careers guide for teenagers (What Will I Be? Mercier Press, 1995). She has broadcast on books and publishing and presents at literary festivals and events. She lectures on writing at UCD and the Irish Writers’ Centre. Madeleine joined the board in 2022.

Niamh Feeney Stonehouse, Vice-Chair

Niamh Feeney Stonehouse is a book lover and an activist. As a member of Together for Yes, she focused on supporting campaign groups around the country. Since then she has been Secretary and a board member of the Abortion Rights Campaign. She has worked in the tech sector for 14 years, and has spent the last 10 building sustainable organisations. As a queer parent and a Gaeilgeoir, she is passionate about ensuring every child sees themself represented in a book. Niamh joined the board in October 2021.

Noemi Milani

Noemi lives in rural Sligo and is Digital & Brand Manager for Focus Ireland. Noemi is also an Associate Lecturer for Digital Marketing Strategies in Griffith College Dublin. She has extensive experience in digital fundraising and marketing in the not for profit and commercial sector. Noemi is one of the founders of Queer Shed Sligo, a community group and event hub for LGBTQI+ folks. She learnt to read at 4 and books are still her safe place. She has event organisation, management and promotion experience. She joined the board in September 2025.

Bernard Dunleavy

Bernard Dunleavy is a practising barrister. He was appointed a Senior Counsel in 2014. He is a graduate of the School of English at Trinity College Dublin and of the King’s Inns. He previously served on the Programme Board of the RHA and was appointed Chairman in October 2014. He was the founder of the #redTshirt initiative to raise consciousness in schools regarding the plight of refugee children. The father of four children with whom he has always read, he is committed to helping every child be a reader. He joined the board in 2022.

Mary Beare Aust

Mary Beare Aust is a lecturer, supervisor and researcher in Early Childhood Education at the South East Technological University – Carlow Campus where she has facilitated modules in Children’s Literature and Philosophy for Children. She is also a doctoral candidate at Trinity College Dublin. Mary is passionate about children’s books and the difference they can make to children living on the margins of society when they see themselves and their families portrayed in a positive light. Mary joined the board in 2022.

Alan O’Rourke

Alan O’Rourke is a mild-mannered marketing man by day, caped picturebook maker by night. He is an experienced business and marketing director working across the creative and tech sectors for over 20 years. A former BAFTA-nominated designer and current children’s book writer and illustrator, Alan joined the board in 2022.

John Duffy

John Duffy is a Chartered Accountant and is an audit partner with HLB Ireland. John holds a dual honors degree in mathematics and economics. John works with several not for profits advising on accounting, budgeting and governance matters. John was appointed to the board in December 2023.

Mark Doyle

Mark Doyle is a seasoned fundraiser with extensive experience in corporate fundraising, events, and philanthropy. He has held roles in children’s charities, specialising in fundraising strategy and donor engagement. He is Chairperson of the Charities Institute Ireland Corporate Forum. He holds a Business Management degree from Technological University Dublin along with diplomas in Fundraising Management, PR, and CSR. Currently, he is completing his postgraduate studies in Charity, Fundraising, and Sponsorship Event Management. He is deeply passionate about children’s charities and believes in the life-changing impact of reading. Mark joined the board in 2024.

Kelly Edwards

Kelly Edwards is a Partner at Bain & Company, with over 15 years of management consulting experience across Europe and the United States. She brings expertise working with non-profit organisations, supporting mission-driven impact at scale. Kelly holds an undergraduate degree from University College Dublin and an MBA from INSEAD. Kelly loves reading with her three children and is passionate about helping every child discover the joy of becoming a reader. She joined the board in December 2025.

Katie Thurston

Katie Thurston is dedicated to promoting children’s literacy and access to books. Katie brings over 20 years of leadership experience at IDA Ireland. Katie’s background spans international business, strategy, and innovation, working in IDA’s Dublin, London, Mumbai and New York. Katie has a Certificate in Sustainability, a Master of Science in Strategic Management and a Degree in Business and Politics. Katie is the proud mother of two boys, aged 8 and 11, who fuel her commitment to helping all children discover the joy of reading. She joined the board in December 2025.