75 Years of National College of Ireland

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National College of Ireland, 1951-2026

National College of Ireland has a long history of driving innovation, supporting societal change and widening access to education.

Over the past seven decades, NCI has played a distinctive role in higher education in Ireland, particularly in serving learners from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting part-time and adult learners, responding rapidly to labour market needs, and contributing to economic and social development through education, research, and enterprise.

2026 is a milestone year for National College of Ireland as we mark the 75th anniversary of the College. Here’s to a year of connection, reflection, and celebration!

Key Milestones in NCI's History

Over seven decades, NCI has evolved and expanded with growth in courses offered and student numbers.

1951 Founded

2003 Mayor Square

2023 Spencer Dock

2026 75th Anniversary

Recent Highlights

Throughout 2026, NCI will host a range of events showcasing the College's impact over 75 years and celebrating our staff, students and community. Highlights from recent anniversary events are showcased below.

Featured Alumni

To mark our 75th Anniversary, we are shining a light on some NCI alumni to showcase the amazing talent the College has produced throughout the years.

Eamon Sharkey, MBA Graduate, National College of Ireland

Eamon Sharkey, MBA With a career dedicated to driving impact in the non-profit sector, Eamon Sharkey has held senior leadership roles across some of Ireland’s most recognisable humanitarian and social organisations.

Deirdre Monks, Data Analytics Graduate, National College of Ireland

Deirdre Monks, Data Analytics Deirdre is a data leader, technologist, innovator, entrepreneur, businesswoman and a busy working mother. She has co-founded bot one but two companies in Ireland's growing AI and data ecosystem.

Paul McAuliffe, Accounting & Human Resource Management Graduate, National College of Ireland

Paul McAuliffe TD, Accounting & HRM Having served on Dublin City Council for ten years, including as the 350th Lord Mayor in 2019, Paul is a member of Dáil Eireann where he represents Dublin North West.

Adebola Olomo, Marketing Graduate, National College of Ireland

Adebola Olomo, Marketing Founder of a media agency rooted in digital innovation, representation and empowerment, Adebola is a passionate advocate for women in technology, championing mentorship, visibility, and lifelong learning.

Dr Paul Mooney, Industrial Relations, National College of Ireland

Dr Paul Mooney, Industrial Relations Paul shares his education story, from leaving school at age 13 to returning to education to gain a diploma which started his lifelong learning journey and eventually led to him becoming the President of National College of Ireland.

Stacey Flood, Technology Management Graduate, National College of Ireland

Stacey Flood, Technology Management Stacey Flood is one of Ireland’s most accomplished rugby players, representing her country in the World Rugby Sevens Series and on the Olympic stage at the Paris 2024 Games.

Share Your Alumni Story

Become a featured alumnus by sharing what NCI means to you and the impact studying here has had on you both personally and professionally.