Two influential leaders from the Armagh area have been named as one of just 28 people selected for the prestigious Fellowship Programme run by the Centre for Democracy and Peace.
Jonathan Herron and Séamus Mac Eochaidh are among 28 individuals selected for the programme, which is a respected initiative bringing together changemakers from politics, business, the public sector and civic society.
Jonathan Herron is a Research and Communications Officer for the DUP in Stormont, working to support Gareth Wilson MLA. A graduate of Ulster University, he has previously worked as a journalist with Flagship Media Group and an Audience Engagement Specialist with Capita.
Séamus Mac Eochaidh is Education Manager with Gael Linn. A former teacher, Séamas was to the fore in the development and delivery of the Scoil Spreagtha scheme, which gives primary school students an opportunity to learn the Irish language.
Chosen from a high number of applicants, the new cohort brings together individuals already making an impact across politics, business, the public sector and civic society. The group includes political representatives, entrepreneurs, senior public servants, business leaders, cultural advocates and community organisers. He is a graduate of Ulster University.
With representation from five political parties and a broad range of sectors and backgrounds, the new cohort reflects the diversity, talent and ambition shaping Northern Ireland’s future.
Over the next seven months, the Fellows will take part in a transformative leadership programme combining learning, dialogue and collaboration. The programme will provide opportunities to challenge assumptions, exchange ideas and build relationships across political, professional and community divides.
The Fellowship Programme is the Centre for Democracy and Peace’s flagship programme, designed to equip and connect Northern Ireland’s political, business and civic leaders to address the region’s most pressing challenges.
Founded on the lessons of Northern Ireland’s peace process, the Centre for Democracy and Peace works to support individuals, communities and institutions to resolve conflict, uphold human rights and foster reconciliation. Its work is grounded in the belief that democracy can help to heal divisions, build trust and create a better future.
Since its establishment in 2021, the Fellowship Programme has supported more than 125 leaders across politics, government, business and civil society. Its growing alumni network continues to demonstrate the impact of leadership rooted in integrity, creativity and a shared commitment to positive change.
The sixth cohort will build on that momentum, developing the skills, relationships and vision needed to strengthen communities, foster innovation and contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful Northern Ireland.
The Fellowship programme is supported by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish American Partnership, and its corporate partners and sponsors Allstate NI, Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks and Ulster Carpets.
Darragh McCarthy, Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said: “This year’s Fellows bring a remarkable breadth of experience, expertise and perspective. They are already making valuable contributions within their organisations, communities and wider society, and the Fellowship will give them the opportunity to learn from one another and build meaningful relationships across sectors.
“At a time when strong, collaborative and forward-looking leadership is more important than ever, the Fellowship provides a unique space to explore ideas, challenge assumptions and consider how we can work together to address Northern Ireland’s most pressing challenges.
“I am delighted to welcome our sixth cohort and look forward to seeing the contribution they will make to the Fellowship community and to Northern Ireland’s future.”
The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme Cohort 2026-27 are:
Dearbhla Boyle, Strategy Director, Big and Bold
Martina Byrne, Chair, Clonduff Development Enterprise
Elaine Campbell, Director, Mencap NI
Phil Carson, Policy Director, SDLP
Cllr Bethany Carson-Ferris, Deputy Mayor, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Niall Downey, Managing Director, Framework Safety Group Ltd
Christopher Flynn, Centre Director, The Junction Retail & Leisure Park
Dr Naomh Gallagher, Specialty Registrar in Public Health, Public Health Agency
Cllr Córa Groogan, Sinn Féin Councillor, Mid Ulster Council
Rebecca Harper, Campaigns and Membership Manager, SDLP
Jonathan Herron, Research and Communications Officer, DUP
Carol Jordan, Content Editor, UTV
Dr Clare Kettle, Head of Strategy and Transformation, QUB
Séamas Mac Eochaidh, Education Manager, Gael Linn
Victoria Magreehan, Head of Advocacy and Communications, National Trust NI
Sinead McIldowney, District Commander Derry City and Strabane, PSNI
Colm McKeown, Strategic Transformation Manager, NIE Networks
Cllr Ciarán McQuillan, Sinn Féin Councillor, Causeway Coast and Glens Council
Glen Miller, Director, D A Miller & Sons Transport Ltd
Dr Frances Neilson, Policy Analyst, Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee, House of Lords
Bronagh Ramsden, Chief of Staff, ICRIR
Harriett Roberts, Director of Growth & Engagement, Simon Community
Philip Robinson, Chief Inspector, PSNI
Carly Rodgers Accept Verification and Monitoring officer, Northern Ireland Alternatives
Cllr Richard Smart, UUP Councillor, Ards and North Down
Ren Thompson, Policy and Research Officer, Alliance Party
Daniel Toft, Policy Officer, Ulster Farmers’ Union
Adam Watters, Project support worker, Northern Ireland Alternatives
