John C. was born in Tullamore Regional Hospital in January 1979. Both his parents were teachers in the Tullamore area until their recent retirements. He was educated at Ballinamere NS just outside Tullamore and later at Colaiste Colm C.B.S in Tullamore and also at the Marist College, Athlone.

Upon completing the Leaving Cert in 1998, he studied Liberal Arts in Mary
Immaculate College. While in Mary I. he became involved in the Students' Union, first as a class representative and later as Welfare Officer 1998-2000 and then President of the S.U 2000-2001. During this time he gained a lot of experience in relation to education, housing, equality and health issues.

Working in Mary Immaculate College Students' Union (MICSU), his many achievements encompassed the following:

◦ the holding of the first Welfare Week (1999);

◦ development and restructuring of the SU;

◦ obtaining a post-graduate seat on the Academic board;

◦ organisation of the largest Student Protest in Limerick for 25yrs (2000);

◦ raising over €10,000 for charity;

◦ increasing student representation and participation in university committees.

 

During his time in Mary I, John also developed an interest in a wide range for activities including: The Social and Political Society, International Student Society, Gluaisteacht and USI.
 

USI:
In 2001 John was elected as the Equality Officer for the Union of Students In Ireland. In this position he worked at a national level on developing USI's equality and international policies. His major achievement during this period of time was the formulation of several policy documents and the organization of training session for local SU officers, including a very successful conference with international speakers. He also directed a national anti-racism and multi-cultural campaign which was funded by the Department of Justice and resulted in a campaign pack being produced for every third level institute in the country.

 

John was elected to the Executive Committee of ESIB in 2002. In this position he was responsible for ESIB's Bologna Process Committee, Press Relations and representation to the European Universities' Association (EUA) , European Commission and European Youth Forum. He was also the co-ordinator of ESIB's Quality Assurance Project and editor of the European Student Handbook on Quality Assurance. He also chaired workshops at several ESIB conventions and seminars.

Back Again:
In 2002 John returned to Mary I to complete his degree in History and Media & Communication Studies. As part of the career placement he  worked as a researcher in the Limerick Civic Trust for one year where he researched the Limerick Alcohol Industry in 19th century. He also founded and became chair of Labour Youth Society in Mary I. and the Labour Youth International Officer for 2004. In October 2004 he graduated with an 2.1 Honours degree.