Our Team

School Principal

Paula O' Connor

Bachelor of Education, MSc. i nGnó agus Teicneolaíocht an Eolais, Post Graduate Diploma in School Development and Planning, Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management in Education.

Paula was appointed Principal to Merlin Woods Primary School prior to the school opening in September 2010. She believes passionately in Merlin Woods Primary School and its importance at the centre of a vibrant young community. Prior to taking up her position as principal, Paula was seconded as a Curriculum advisor with the Department of Education and Skills, working as a DEIS Advisor to schools and teachers in the areas of literacy, numeracy and whole school planning for their own continuous professional development.

Paula is trained as a tutor in the programmes of Ready, Set, Go - Maths, First Steps Reading, First Steps Writing and First Steps Speaking and Listening. She was also the first tutor in Galway for Aistear, the infant curriculum framework. She takes great pride in bringing these programmes to Merlin Woods Primary School and encouraging continuous professional development amongst the school staff themselves.

Deputy Principal

Elaine O'Malley

A member of staff from the start, Elaine has thoroughly enjoyed the fast-moving pace of growth and development that we have had in Merlin Woods. Having been Acting Principal for four years in her previous school, Elaine’s experience in school management has been a huge asset to our school. She has led the school participation in the Junior First Lego League (a junior engineering and robotics project) and strongly advocates the use of ICT as a teaching and learning methodology. Elaine was instrumental in establishing the school website.

Michelle Conneely

Acting Deputy Principal

Michelle Conneely

B.A., Post Graduate Diploma in Education

Michelle joined the Merlin Woods Team in September 2011. She currently teaches in a learning support environment. Michelle has previously spent 6 years teaching in a school in Galway City. She has taught a variety of classes during this time. Michelle regularly attends courses in ICT and P.E. to upskill and assist her teaching. She enjoys sport and teaches athletics as an after-school activity. Michelle co-ordinated our Active School Flag project.

Teaching Staff

Junior Infant Teachers

Múinteoir Aisling
Junior Infants A

Múinteoir Oonagh
Senior Infants A

Múinteoir Aoife
1st Class A

Múinteoir Niamh
2nd Class A

Múinteoir Sinéad
3rd Class A

Múinteoir Kayleigh
4th Class A

Múínteoir Fionnan
5th Class A

Múinteoir Michelle
6th Class A

Múinteoir Danielle

Múinteoir Yvonne

Múinteoir Grace
Junior Infants B

Senior Infant Teachers

Múínteoir Elaine
Senior Infants B

First Class Teachers

Múinteoir Melissa
1st Class B

Second Class Teachers

Múinteoir Rachael
2nd Class B

Third Class Teachers

Múinteoir Brian
3rd Class B

Fourth Class Teachers

Múinteoir Sadhbh
4th Class B

Fifth Class Teachers

Múinteoir Fiona
5th Class B

Sixth Class Teachers

Múinteoir Seán
6th Class B

Special Education Teachers

Múinteoir Ann-Marie

Múinteoir Claire

Múinteoir Aoife

Múinteoir Ann

Múinteoir Amanda

Múinteoir Lisa

Múinteoir Niamh

Múinteoir Nicola

Múinteoir Caitríona

Learn More

Ann joined the staff of Merlin Woods Primary School in 2017 having previously gained many years of experience in small primary schools in Ireland. Having graduated from MICE with a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree went on to complete a Post-Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management. Also completed a postgraduate diploma in Special Needs Education and a Post- Graduate Diploma in Business & Life Coaching.
Ann has a keen interest in supporting the children in her care to achieve their full potential as a child in their education journey. Ann is passionate about wellbeing for the whole school community of parents, staff and students and always strives to ensure that emotional wellbeing of all is prioritised.
Current role is working as a support teacher supporting the students in Senior classes in Literacy and Numeracy and collaborative team teaching with the class teachers.