Teh Maynooth lecturer on motherhood, scrapping the Leaving Cert and her dream of doing stand-up

dr. Niamh Ní Bhroin is a lecturer in law at Maynooth University, a mother of two, and a vocal advocate for radical change in the Irish education system. She’s also quietly plotting a career in stand-up comedy.

“I’ve always been a bit of a performer,” she says,laughing. “I was a debater in school, I love a good argument, and I find that if I can make people laugh while making a point, its a very powerful thing.” The stand-up is still in the early stages – a few open mics under her belt – but it feels like a natural extension of her work.”It’s terrifying, but exhilarating. It’s a different kind of vulnerability than putting yourself out there academically.”

Ní Bhroin’s academic work focuses on children’s rights and education law. She’s become a prominent voice calling for the abolition of the Leaving Cert, arguing it’s a high-stakes, stressful system that doesn’t serve the best interests of students.

“the Leaving Cert is a blunt instrument,” she explains. “It reduces a student’s entire academic career to six exams. It prioritises rote learning over genuine understanding, and it creates an incredibly unequal playing field. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected.”

She proposes a move towards continuous assessment and a broader curriculum that values creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills. “We need to move away from this obsession with points and rankings and focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life, not just for college.”

Her views are informed, in part, by her own experience as a mother. “Having children really changed my perspective,” she says. “It made me think about what kind of education I wanted for them, and what kind of society I wanted them to grow up in. I want them to be happy, healthy, and engaged citizens, not just exam-topping robots.”

Ní bhroin acknowledges that change won’t be easy. “There’s a lot of resistance to change, particularly from those who benefit from the current system. But I believe it’s possible to create a more equitable and effective education system in Ireland. It requires courage, vision, and a willingness to listen to the voices of students, teachers, and parents.”

She’s currently working on a book that expands on her ideas for education reform.And, when she’s not lecturing, researching, or parenting, she’s honing her stand-up routine, finding humour in the everyday absurdities of life – and the Irish education system. “It’s a work in progress,” she admits. “But I’m enjoying the challenge.”