Meet The Team | barrowtraining.ie

BARROW TRAINING

Meet The Team

Norah Ryan

Owner / Managing Director

Norah is the passionate force behind Barrow Consultancy & Training, bringing a wealth of experience in education, business development, and strategic consultancy. Since taking ownership of the company in 2021, she has expanded its reach, introduced new services, and leading a successful rebrand to reflect its growing impact. Norah is known for her hands-on approach, deep understanding of training and compliance needs—particularly in healthcare, QQI-accredited programmes, and ISO consultancy—and her commitment to building meaningful relationships with clients.

She strongly believes that everyone should be treated with respect at all times and that mental health awareness and staff well-being must be paramount in any organisation. As the current President of the Carlow Chamber of Commerce, she is a proud advocate for local business, community development, and collaboration.

Outside of her professional life, Norah is an avid GAA fan and is fiercely passionate about Tipperary hurling.

Driven, approachable, and full of energy, her mission is simple: to empower others through knowledge, compassion, and practical support.

Siobhan McNally

The vast majority of my experience is in Management, both people and operational and I have yet to find a project I have not found interesting. However, I also love getting out of the office with my Healthcare Tutoring duties.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my little boy and girl, fitting in some laps on the running track and having a few sociables with family and friends.

Donna Purcell

I hold a level 8 BA Honors Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care and I combine that with over 12 years hands on working experience in the childcare sector. My goal as a tutor is to ensure that you enjoy your learning experience whether in the classroom or online. I aim to support your learning experience.

Outside of work, I am a Mum of 2 children who keep me very busy going for walks along the barrow track or having picnics in the winter. I also love spending time with family and friends.

Leona O'Shea

As the Marketing and Quality Assurance Manager, I enjoy the unique blend of both Marketing and Quality Assurance. I love the creative side of Marketing that drives business growth and elevates brand visibility. Simultaneously, I enjoy the tedious aspects of Quality Assurance to ensure exceptional service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Outside of work I have a huge passion in all aspects of beauty as I hold the CIDESCO Diploma, the world’s most prestigious qualification in aesthetics and beauty therapy.

Florrie Leonard

As Office and Finance Manager my role consists of assisting customers with booking their courses and giving them the information to choose the right course for them.

I have spent many years in the retail industry and customer service is one of my key strengths. As a member of Barrow Training my main goal is to help people have a positive and friendly experience with us.

Out of the office I love to walk and get to see some our wonderful sights we have in Ireland.

Aileen Bradley

My role in Barrow Training is Administrator and Customer Service. I help customers with all their queries and provide them with information on our courses.

I gained my customer service experience working 20 plus years in the Beauty Therapy industry and as Receptionist in Enterprise House. I have a Diploma in Quality Assurance and a CIDESCO Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

Outside of work I have a busy family life with twin girls and a son. Our weekends are filled with activities such as GAA, soccer, rugby, and leisurely walks with our dog.

Josephine Havlin

I have over 12 years’ experience in customer service, including managing and training a group of diverse staff. What I love most about management is organising the running of each day, planning ahead and solving problems that may arise. I also hold a BA Honours Degree in Geography and Psychological Studies from NUI Galway.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with family and friends, read a book or go for a walk. I also love to travel, visiting new places and learning about different cultures.

Selena Osborne, Childcare Tutor

Alongside achieving a level 9 MA in Child, Youth and Family Studies and a level 8 Hons Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care, I have many years of on the ground experience of working in the Early Childcare and Education Sector. I am passionate about promoting the rights of all children and ensuring that all learners are motivated and encouraged to go into this sector with a passion for ensuring each child reaches their full potential.

I am a strong believer in continued professional development and consider myself a lifelong learner. I am a fully trained Baby Massage Instructor, Parents Plus Early Years Trainer, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Qualified, Behaviour Intervention and Understand Complex Needs trained and many more.

As a tutor for Early Childcare Education and Care, I have over 7 years experience, tutoring in class, online and through blended learning. I am fully committed to ensuring each student receives the support and encouragement to reach their full potential.

Outside of work, I am a busy mum of four children and enjoy supporting my childrens passion for Go Karting, Irish Dancing and Soccer. I myself enjoy unwinding by walking and watching Formula one racing.

Conor McCarthy, Healthcare Tutor

With 15 years’ experience in training, I work in the areas of Health & Safety and Transport. As well as tutoring, I work as a QQI External Assessor so quality & standards are always important to me. It’s wonderful to be part of a student’s journey in learning and I always aim to be as supportive as possible. When not working, I enjoy the outdoor life, woodwork and anything with an engine!

Outside of work I love meeting with friends and family. I also love to travel and experience new places, people and cultures. I have an international CIDESCO diploma and QQI Certificates in Beauty Therapy.

Bridget Kirwan, RGN

Over 40 years in the nursing profession, including role of Director of Nursing in the Private Hospital Sector and 12 years as Person in Charge in the Nursing Home Sector working to HIQA standards. Experience in delivering training in Care of The Older Person, Dementia, Palliative and End of Life Care.

Alan Purcell, Safety Tutor

I am privileged to say that I have been working alongside the team in Barrow Training for the past 4 years now, and in that time the guidance and support towards both the tutors and students is second to none. When I work with a group of students I really enjoy imparting knowledge and always try to make their learning experience an enjoyable one too.

I look forward to continue working with the team at Barrow Training and I would like to wish them every success for the future.