Mounthawk Montessori School Group has been crowned All-Ireland Champion Montessori School Group of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF). The award was presented at a ceremony in the Longcourt Hotel on April 25, 2025.
This prestigious recognition reflects Mounthawk Montessori’s commitment to educational excellence, innovative teaching practices, and creating nurturing environments that promote holistic child development.
Founded and led by Susan Quirke-Crowley and Maureen Quirke, Mounthawk Montessori School Group—including Busy Bees Nursery and Casa Dei Bambini Outdoor Preschool—has consistently set new standards in early childhood education. Casa Dei Bambini was officially opened by Minister Norma Foley, further highlighting the group’s achievements.
Adding to their success, Susan Quirke-Crowley was recently named AIBF Business All-Star Educator of the Year 2025 for her leadership and commitment to innovation in education. Supported by Helena Wallace Dowling, General Manager, and degree-qualified teams across all centres, the group continues to grow and evolve.
A major development includes the opening of Before The Bell – The Lodge, Balloonagh, a beautifully restored 1894 building, now a hub for early childhood education. This project, alongside Mounthawk Montessori, Maureen’s Childcare, and Oak Park Montessori School, showcases their unique blend of heritage preservation and cutting-edge learning.
Rooted in a child-centred, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, Mounthawk Montessori fosters independence, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Their innovative outdoor curriculum encourages a lifelong love of learning and ensures each child is prepared for future success.
This national recognition highlights the transformative power of quality early childhood education, and Mounthawk Montessori School Group remains committed to inspiring the next generation with passion and purpose.
