RUAIRI MC KIERNAN
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About Ruairí  
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Ruairí Mc Kiernan is an award-winning social innovator, campaigner, consultant, writer and speaker named as one of the top 10 people leading social change in Ireland by global social entrepreneurs organisation Ashoka. He is a Fulbright scholar, a  Presidential appointee to Ireland's Council of State (2012-2019) and a recipient of numerous awards, including a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland award. Ruairí is a business graduate with almost 20 years experience in the areas of social innovation and community development. This includes his work as founder of the pioneering SpunOut.ie youth organisation, which he started at the age of 25 and led for eight years as CEO, raising millions of euro, building a nationwide team of staff and volunteers, and championing young people's wellbeing across society.

​Ruairí is also a founding board member of the Soar Foundation, a founding board member of the Uplift civic action organisation, and co-founder of the Gaelic Voices For Change movement of inter-county GAA players. His chart-topping Love and Courage podcast features inspiration global voices for change and he is a regular contributor to the national media on health and social issues. A powerful and passionate TEDx speaker, Ruairí reaches thousands each year through his talks and workshops in schools, colleges, workplaces and at conferences in Ireland and internationally. His work explores areas that include leadership, wellbeing, mental health, mindfulness and meditation, active citizenship and civic engagement, corporate social responsibility, and social innovation. He previously contributed a chapter on meditation to Sr. Stan's book 'Season's of Hope'.
Consultancy and mentoring sessions can now be booked online
 Areas of work
  • Creative, cultural and community-led change projects
  • Social justice communications, advocacy and campaigning  
  • Consultancy and strategic support for artists, non-profits, social enterprises, sole traders and small businesses
  • Leadership development, coaching, mentoring and retreats
  • Mindfulness, meditation and wellbeing ventures
  • Youth engagement 
  • Public speaking; social justice, community engagement, youth issues, democracy, leadership, social innovation, mental health, men's health, wellbeing.
GET IN TOUCH
Mentoring, coaching and consultancy

Ruairí offers 1-hour mentoring, coaching and consultancy sessions via Zoom. These are tailored to meet the needs of each individual and organisation. They may involve advice, expertise, ideas and direction. Areas covered include leadership, communications, community engagement, social innovation and entrepreneurship, and public speaking. Upon booking a session you will be sent a short questionnaire seeking more details about your needs and information on arranging a suitable date and time slot. Sessions are friendly, supportive and welcoming and held in strict confidence. Email for more information or proceed to book your session today.

Testimonials
 "..always warm, engaging and thought provoking.”
- Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children

a highly motivated "can do" individual who is very switched on to where society is at today. His insightful journalism always hits the mark and Ruairí is fearless in tackling injustice and identifying potential solutions. I heartily recommend Ruairí to any employer or company in start up mode."  - Patrick Cusack, Microsoft 

Ruairi is a passionate advocate for social justice. He is committed to and facilitates and enables civic action particularly for those who are seldom heard, including young people. He is an expert in the use and power of social media to support this work."
- Mary Cunningham, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland

“Ruairi has always brought energy, creativity and commitment to all that he does in life. He is a driven person who encourgages others to shine. I have always found it a pleasure to work with Ruairi.” - Senator Jillian van Turnhout, Former Senator and Former Chief Executive, Children’s Rights Alliance

 "I have never met such a passionate, committed, determined and down to earth man like him.  Ruairi remains true to his beliefs and will go over and beyond to make things happen.  Ruairi is extremely forward thinking and sees a challenge as a opportunity for growth and development.  I have no doubt in my mind Ruairi has inspired many people and I am proud to say I am one of these people.” - Caroline McGuigan, Founder of Suicide Or Survive (SOS)



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"Ruairi is driven with a passion to make real difference in the world. All his energy, thinking and doing is focussed on how he can do this and do it better. If your lucky to work with him, then you benefit from his insight, his questioning, his commitment to empowering others and his ability to always bring fresh thinking. I have been so lucky in Young Social Innovators! Ruairi, if he feels he can add value to your work and believes in it, will keep you in the loop of his thinking and knowledge - that is quite amazing!"
- Rachel Collier, co-founder Young Social Innovators 

"Ruairi is a creative problem solver with a passion for young people, empowerment, and social change and a talent for taking it all online." - Deirdre Mortell, Founder of Rethink Ireland


“Ruairi brings vision, creativity and passion to organisational challenges and opportunites. He is an excellent networker and has a very inclusive way of working.” - The Atlantic Philanthropies

“Ruairi is an inspiration. He has such passion and energy and he is clear and focused on achieving lasting social change. Ruairi is a leader of his generation and an educator of mine; in how to bring fresh energy and new ways of working into social justice campaigning.” Orla Barry, former CEO of Mental Health Ireland 

“Ruairí is an important voice for social justice in Ireland and beyond, and a man with ideas, energy and determination. He believes passionately in the power of people when they come together and organise – and he is a great example of what that power can achieve.” - Hans Zomer, former Director of Dóchas


Media contributions
​Ruairí writes occasional opinion pieces for national newspapers and contributes regularly to TV and radio shows. He is often called upon for comment on relevant health and social issues. Media outlets have included the Irish Times, the Irish Independent, the Irish Examiner, the Sunday Times, the Guardian, the Huffington Post, the Sunday Independent, the Journal.ie, RTE television and radio, Newstalk, Today FM, Virgin Media television, Yes Magazine, and CounterPunch.org.
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Awards and scholarships
  • American Book Fest Award 2022
  • Writing residency, Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, 2021
  • Dept. of Culture: Culture Ireland funding award 2021
  • Simon Cumbers Media Bursary 2020
  • Government of Australia Endeavour Leadership Award, 2015
  • Ray Murphy Leadership Scholarship, 2014
  • Fulbright fellowship, Berkeley, California, 2014
  • Korea Foundation Next Generation Leaders (Korea), 2013
  • Boston College Irish Institute Programme (USA), 2010
  • Ray Murphy Leadership Scholarship, 2010

  • Simon Cumbers Media Bursary, 2010
  • Junior Chambers International (Ireland) Award, 2009
  • Digital Media Award, 2009
  • Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award (Connaught), 2008
  • Irish Internet Association: Net Visionary Award, 2008
  • GK3 Young Global Social Entrepreneur, 2007
  • Eircom Golden Spider Award, 2007
  • Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award, 2006
  • Health Service Innovation Award, 2006

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Photo used under Creative Commons from shixart1985
  • Home
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