John Lonergan is a highly respected Irish speaker, author, and former prison governor, celebrated for his profound insights into human nature, leadership, and social justice. Born in Bansha, Co. Tipperary, Lonergan began his distinguished career in the Irish Prison Service in 1968. Over the next 42 years, he witnessed and navigated the complexities of the prison system, ultimately serving as the Governor of Mountjoy Prison for over 22 years and the top-security prison at Portlaoise for nearly four years.
John Lonergan’s tenure as a prison governor was marked by a deep commitment to understanding and improving the lives of those within the prison system. His approach was rooted in the belief that meaningful change comes through dialogue, empathy, and respect for human dignity. He often spoke out about the need for rehabilitation and education as key components in reducing recidivism and supporting inmates’ reintegration into society.
In 2010, upon his retirement, Lonergan published his autobiography, “The Governor,” offering an honest and compelling account of his experiences and the challenges faced within the Irish penal system. The book has been praised for its candid insights and has contributed significantly to discussions on penal reform in Ireland. In 2013, Lonergan authored a second book, “Parenting – Raising Your Child in Ireland Today,” which provides practical advice for parents and supports Barnardos, a children’s charity.
As a speaker, John Lonergan is in high demand across various sectors, including corporate, educational, and community groups. His talks are known for their depth, relatability, and inspirational content, often tailored to meet the specific needs of his audience. Lonergan covers a wide range of topics, drawing from his extensive career and personal philosophy.
Books and Publications:
- The Governor: The Life and Times of the Man Who Ran Mountjoy
- Regular contributor to various media outlets on topics related to social justice and prison reform.
To book Former Governor of Mountjoy John Lonergan for your event, contact Front Row Speakers on +353 1 485 3991 or email welcome@frontrowspeakers.com
Prison Reform and Criminal Justice: Explore the challenges and opportunities in the prison system, with a focus on humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders.
Leadership and Ethics: Learn about ethical leadership through John’s experiences managing one of Ireland’s most challenging institutions and his approach to compassionate leadership.
Social Justice and Community Empowerment: Understand the root causes of crime and the importance of addressing social inequalities to create safer, more cohesive communities.
Mental Health and Well-being in Prisons: Gain insights into the mental health challenges faced by inmates and the strategies for promoting well-being within the prison system.
Personal Journey and Life Lessons: Hear John’s personal journey, including the lessons learned from his extensive career and his views on resilience, empathy, and social responsibility.
“John Lonergan’s presentation was really excellent….people would have very happily listened to him for another hour. The feedback from attendees was tremendous afterwards & I would like to thank him for making it so relevant to our group and Conference theme. John should be compulsory listening for all Managers employed in the workforce today!!”
-Adrienne Buckley, IAUG
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