Máire was educated by the Loreto order, is a graduate of UCD and taught Gaeilge and Maths in schools in Bray Co. Wicklow, Carrickmacross Co. Monaghan and Leixlip Co. Kildare from 1981 onwards. She was appointed the first Deputy Principal of St Peter’s College, Dunboyne Co. Meath in 1995. She moved to Castlecomer Community School as Principal in 2002 and moved again in 2005 to become the founding Principal of Ratoath College in Co. Meath. In 2013 she became the Education and Leadership Officer of Louth Meath Education and Training Board. She is the chairperson of the board of management of the newly established Ballymackenny College in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Máire has experience working in all three sectors at post primary level