Disability worker Mary Keogh has been awarded the inaugural Gary Kennedy Chartered Director Programme Bursary run by the Institute of Directors (IoD).
The annual bursary aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and governance by recognising individuals whose unique perspectives and lived experiences can enrich boardrooms and executive decision-making.
It includes a fully funded place on the IoD Chartered Director Programme covering full programme costs, including the cost of sitting the Certificate and Diploma exams, application for the CDir designation if the candidate is eligible and a year’s complimentary membership of the IoD.
The overall value of the bursary is €16,800.
Mr Kennedy was chairman of stockbroking firm Goodbody and a long-standing member of IoD Ireland, when he died in 2003 aged 65.
He was also a co-chair of ‘Balance for Better Business’, the Irish Government-sponsored gender balance initiative.
He also served as a Government-appointed board member of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, as well as a director of IDA Ireland, Friends' First Holdings and Elan.
While Ms Keogh is Chair of the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), a global network of 35 civil society organisations committed to advancing inclusive international development and humanitarian action.
She also serves as Advocacy Director at CBM Global Disability Inclusion and has a PhD in Law and Public Policy.
Her research focuses on gender, disability and human rights.
Ms Keogh, who is also an accredited mediator, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this bursary in Gary Kennedy’s name and extremely grateful to the Institute of Directors Ireland for creating such an important opportunity.
"I am excited to begin the Chartered Director Programme and to apply the insights and skills to my professional work and advocacy.”
Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive of IoD Ireland, said: “The Gary Kennedy Bursary was created to honour Gary’s legacy by supporting inclusivity and identifying high-potential individuals from under-represented backgrounds.
"Mary Keogh is a deserving recipient of the bursary, and we look forward to supporting her journey in governance and leadership.”
IoD Ireland, who promote the 'highest standards of corporate governance in Ireland' say the bursuray is part of a drive to foster a more inclusive and equitable professional environment.
The body say they want to 'empower individuals from under-represented communities by providing access to development opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.'
Applications for the 2026 bursary will open later in the year. Further information will be available on the IoD Ireland website.
Photo: (l-r) IoD President Helen Nolan; Mary Keogh, bursary awardee; and John Reynolds CDir, IoD Council member
