Marie-Louise O’Donnell studied
English and Education at Nottingham University,
Masters in Education at NUI Maynooth,
M.A. in Modern Drama at UCD and
Theatre and Voice at The Guild Hall School of Music and Drama in London.
She became head of Drama at Carysfort Teacher Training College, a Theatre Director and a professional actress.
She trained in Radio Production Presentation and Direction
with the BBC in London and made and presented programmes for BBC Radio 4 for several years.
As a member of staff in DCU for 23 years, she lectured in The School of Communications.
In the early 90s she initiated and developed The Arts and Culture on the young DCU University campus, culminating in the imaging, building and launch of The Helix in 2002. She was appointed to the Board of the National Concert Hall for 2 terms.
Marie Louise has lectured extensively in Ireland, Europe and the USA in Education, Irish Drama, Irish Culture and Language. She is a noted after dinner speaker and has acted as invited master of ceremonies for many National and International events.
She has presented programmes on Television and Radio and is a regular reviewer and media contributor.
She worked weekly as a colour radio writer and reporter on the national broadcaster’s Sean O’Rourke show.
Marie-Louise is a published writer.
In May 2011 she was appointed to the Senate by
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
She had recently published a Government report commissioned by the Taoiseach entitled ‘Finite Lives’ Dying Death and Bereavement. An examination of State Service in Ireland.
She was re-appointed to the Senate by The Taoiseach in 2016.
In 2019 she published her first book Irish Working Lives.
