In recognition of International Men’s Day, we’re highlighting some of the outstanding men who contribute to shaping National College of Ireland. Learn what this day represents for them.
Eoin Taaffe, Head of International Student Recruitment at NCI
International Men's Day, November 19th, 2025
Shining a light on the men of NCI.
My name is Eoin Taaffe, and I am Head of International Student Recruitment at NCI. I have worked at the College for the last nine months.
My path to NCI
I have worked in the Higher Education sector for over twelve years. Prior to this, I spent more than a decade working in the Financial Services sector.
In 2011, I made a deliberate shift in my career by returning to full-time education to pursue an MSc in Humanitarian Action. After completing the degree, my wife and I spent four months backpacking through East and South Africa.
I also hold a Business degree from University College Dublin, which laid the foundation for my professional journey.
Aspirations and motivations
My aspirations have evolved over time, shaped by life experience and changing perspectives. I have always focused on maintaining a positive outlook and ensuring that what I do - and how I do it - has a meaningful and positive impact, both personally and professionally. For me, success is not just about what you achieve, but about how you show up every day.
I am motivated by a good challenge - preferably the running kind. Whether it is training for a race or pushing myself to take on something new, I find that momentum incredibly motivating. This drive extends into my professional life as well; my motivation comes from progress - physical, personal, and professional.
What does International Men’s Day mean to you?
It is an opportunity to share a positive perspective on gender and acknowledge that we live and work in a society rich in diversity of experience and thought. It is a day to celebrate positive role models, challenge outdated stereotypes, and encourage meaningful conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and equality.
Workplaces are complex environments. We spend a significant portion of our lives alongside colleagues - often more time than we spend with family or friends. They are shaped by community and engagement; the more you invest in them, the more you gain in return.
Over time, my role has evolved, and with it, my understanding of the importance of fostering environments where everyone feels included, heard, and valued.