Fiona Martin-Peelo Awarded the IACP Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary

24 June 2026: The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is pleased to announce that Fiona Martin-Peelo, of Killadreenan, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, has been awarded the inaugural IACP Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary. The bursary will support Fiona in completing the final two years of her MSc in Art Therapy at the Crawford College of Art and Design, MTU Cork, contributing to her continued professional development.

The bursary is named in honour of Martin Ryan, who served as IACP’s Finance Manager for more than 13 years until his passing in 2024. The award reflects Martin’s longstanding dedication to the organisation and his commitment to supporting the development of the counselling and psychotherapy profession in Ireland.

Fiona began her career as a social worker, which led her into the field of psychotherapy. Now, almost 30 years later, she has taken the next step to pursue a Master’s degree in Art Therapy.

Looking back on her journey, Fiona Martin-Peelo noted:

"I want to thank the IACP for awarding me the Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary. It is a privilege to have received this award which is supporting me in undertaking a Masters in Art Therapy in Crawford College of Art and Design, MTU, a long-held goal of mine. This bursary allows me to deepen my training and practice in the field of art therapy. It is my hope that the support the bursary provides will serve to further enrich the field of psychotherapy, particularly given the limited number of art therapists currently in this profession in Ireland.

Extending my professional development to this specialised area will enhance my skills in working therapeutically with children and young people, facilitating a move into other areas, such as schools, healthcare settings, and hospices, thus supporting me in representing the IACP in more diverse fields. In awarding me this bursary, I also appreciate the recognition the IACP is giving to the field of art therapy and to the healing power of image-making and creativity within psychotherapy."

Through her work with clients, Fiona has seen first-hand the therapeutic benefits of incorporating art into the counselling space, unlocking powerful forms of expression and healing that strengthens her commitment to this specialised area of practice.

Congratulating Fiona, IACP Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy said:

“Fiona brings a wealth of experience from her background in social work and as a therapist, particularly in her work with children and adolescents, which she is deeply passionate about. By extending her professional development into the area of art therapy, Fiona aims to enhance her skills and broaden her practice, including working within school settings. We hope that, with the support of the IACP Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary, Fiona will realise these important professional goals.”

 ENDS.

About the IACP Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary

The IACP Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary is awarded on a competitive basis to accredited IACP members. It provides financial support towards the fees of postgraduate study, including programmes such as MA, MSc, MRes, Postgraduate Diploma, or Supervision Diploma courses. The bursary is valued at up to €3,500 per year of study, for a maximum of two years.

IACP Award Recipients 2026:

Carl Berkeley Memorial Award: Séamus Sheedy
Public Inspiration Award: Paula Doyle
Martin Ryan Postgraduate Bursary Award: Fiona Martin-Peelo
Research Excellence Award: David Kelly
Research Bursary Award: Evelyn Waters
Undergraduate Research Excellence Award: Barbara Fiori

Regional Award Recipients:

Dublin Regional Award: Fr Donal Toal
Midlands Regional Award: Maura Carey
North East Regional Award: Tom Tate
Northern Ireland Regional Award: Sr Briege Reynolds [posthumous]
Southeast Regional Award: Catherine Twomey
Southern Regional Award: Debbie Hegarty
Western Regional Award: Margaret Tierney
West/North West Regional Award: David Madden [posthumous]

Notes to the Editor:

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the IACP Communications Department at communications@iacp.ie  

Nicole Mac Dermott, Communications Supervisor - 087 720 6033

Wayne Tobin Communications Officer - 089 214 2276

About:

The IACP was established in 1981 to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy. Our work promotes best practice and the development of the profession. The IACP represents 7,000 members based in communities all over the country and is the largest counselling and psychotherapy association in Ireland. The IACP is dedicated to promoting the value of professional therapy and enhancing mental health throughout Ireland.

For more information please visit www.iacp.ie.