Mary Immaculate College (MIC) has congratulated long-time MIC Thurles School Placement Tutor Eddie Sheehy on receiving the 2026 Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award, recognising more than two decades of humanitarian work supporting access to education for children in Kenya.
Eddie Sheehy, who has worked as a School Placement Tutor at MIC Thurles for the past 10 years, founded the Kenya Education Project (KEP). Established in 2003, the project has provided educational opportunities to disadvantaged children in Kenya, particularly those whose access to schooling is restricted by poverty, inequality and social discrimination.
Eddie recently received the award at a ceremony at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, following his nomination by the principals of the seven schools in Killarney town.
His nomination described more than 20 years of quiet and consistent dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families through education. Through school sponsorships, educational support, and ongoing community engagement, the Kenya Education Project has sought to give children the opportunity to stay in education and build better futures for themselves and their families.
Accepting the award, Eddie Sheehy said:
“I am humbled to accept this award on behalf of all those who have helped with the project since it began back in 2003. Our vital work with the children of Embulbul, Kenya would not have been possible without the wonderful support we receive from schools, friends and local businesses.”
The Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award commemorates the humanitarian legacy of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and recognises outstanding commitment to humanitarian service. Presenting the 2026 award, Killarney Mayor John O’Donoghue said that Eddie Sheehy and the Kenya Education Project were deserving recipients for their “outstanding commitment to humanitarian service, education and the advancement of human dignity”.
Congratulating Eddie Sheehy, Professor Jennifer Johnston, Vice-Dean of MIC Thurles said:
“On behalf of everyone at MIC Thurles, I warmly congratulate Eddie on this very well-deserved honour. For the past 10 years, he has been a highly valued member of our School Placement team, supporting and guiding our student teachers. His extraordinary work with the Kenya Education Project reflects his deep belief in the transformative power of education, and we are immensely proud to see his contribution recognised with the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award.”
As part of the award, Eddie Sheehy and the Kenya Education Project received a Humanitarian Scroll and Medal, together with an O’Donoghue-Ring Collection bursary of €3,000.
