Chalk Talk Special: 'St Oliver’s gave me not just an education, but confidence, curiosity, and friendships that have lasted a lifetime'

MEABH McMAHON - Chief Anchor at Euronews

I ENJOYED my years at St Oliver’s so much that I never missed a day at school. I was even awarded a trophy for full attendance—something I still love to tell my kids! It really reflects what a positive experience I had and how lucky I was to be surrounded by great teachers and friends.

Springtime really stands out—when the sound of the grass being cut by caretaker John Shirwan meant summer was approaching, and with it school tours and sports day. Our 6th class teacher, Ann Walsh, even took us to Dublin Airport to catch a plane—a moment I will never forget. It was also in St Oliver’s that I met my best friend, Jennifer Hegarty Owens, who remains a huge part of my life to this day. Since leaving St Oliver’s and Navan, I’ve built a career in journalism that has taken me across Europe. I now live in Brussels and work as Chief Anchor at Euronews, where I host the daily live morning news programme Europe Today and a weekly debate show The Ring. I cover all the major stories shaping the EU—from the Hungarian elections to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. I have also reported from Kyiv, including during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Looking back, St Oliver’s gave me not just an education, but confidence, curiosity, and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. It was a very happy, positive place for me—a safe space—and I’m truly grateful to all my teachers for creating that.

From the playing fields of St Oliver’s to stadiums and studios across the world, Ian Carry’s journey began in the most familiar of places.

Like so many, his time in St Oliver’s was filled with fun, laughter, and the occasional tear—but it was also where a competitive spirit was sparked, one that would shape the path ahead.

One memory stands above the rest: winning the county championship in Páirc Tailteann in his final year 1989. A fantastic team, full of talent, and a moment that has stayed with him ever since.

That same passion for sport has carried Ian far beyond the school gates. Today, he lives in America with his wife and their two children, Aidan and Caelyn. He is the director of one of the largest soccer clubs in the country, works with US Soccer national teams, and is also a familiar voice on ESPN through his commentary and studio work.

From Saturday matches and schoolyard competition to the international stage, the foundations were laid in St Oliver’s—a place that helped shape not just a player, but the person he would become.

It was fantastic to welcome past pupil Ian Carry to St Oliver Plunkett School Navan, visiting from the U.S. and this time bringing his son Aidan along too. Ian’s journey since school has been incredible. Now based in South Carolina, he’s built a wonderful life; a proud family man, ESPN sports commentator, and recently appointed Head Coach of the U.S. Men’s Beach Soccer National Team (2024) .

When I think about St. Oliver’s, it’s not one big moment that stands out, but loads of small ones — the friendships, the laughs, and the sense of just figuring things out as you go. At the time it all felt pretty normal, but looking back now, those years played a bigger role than I probably realised

Things like gymnastics club with Mr Nolan and Saturday guitar lessons with Mr Ward — I can’t say I became the next big thing on the guitar, but it passed a few Saturdays anyway.

Before leaving Navan, I worked at the Beechmount Hotel amongst some other fine establishments, which gave me a real love of people (and a solid lesson in patience). That led me into the hospitality industry full-time and over the next ten years I did a fair bit of moving around — London in 1993, back to Navan for a short time, then Cork, Jersey, Mallorca and back to London — which, at the very least, taught me how to pack a suitcase properly.

Eventually I settled in Leicestershire, where life took a different turn and I went on to join the police and eventually become a detective. It’s been a completely different challenge, but one I’ve really embraced. The job has taught me a lot about people and about myself. In some ways, it all probably started with the confidence you begin to build in those early years (even if you don’t realise it at the time).

Along the way, I’ve also been lucky enough to raise a beautiful family (Caoimhe & Erin) which is without question the part I’m proudest of.

It’s strange how quickly it all passes, but how much of it stays with you, even if the guitar skills didn’t quite make the full journey with me.