Available to book

Prison governor & resilience speaker

John Lonergan

Mental Health

Happiness

Effective Leadership

Transform leadership and workplace wellbeing with John Lonergan, speaker on social justice and resilience. John works with organisations to foster compassionate leadership and mental health awareness, drawing from four decades of prison service experience including 22 years governing Mountjoy Prison.

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Trusted by Mountjoy Prison

John Lonergan

Dublin, Ireland

Starting from

£2k–5k

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Book John

Dublin, Ireland

Starting from

£2k–5k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire John Now

Instant quote

•

No upfront fee

•

Vetted speaker

John Lonergan's biography

Educator

Personal Wellbeing

Professional Development

Mentor

Thought Leader

Police

Humanitarian

Author

Philanthropy

Inspirational

Personal Development

Mental Health Awareness

Motivational

At a glance

Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison
Bestselling author of The Governor
Renowned commentator on leadership and social justice

John Lonergan is a former Governor of Dublin's Mountjoy Prison, widely respected for his insights into leadership, mental health, social justice and human resilience. Drawing on over four decades in the Irish Prison Service, John offers a rare and thought-provoking perspective on leading with integrity, fostering wellbeing, and understanding the deeper social issues affecting individuals and communities. John grew up in Bansha, Co. Tipperary and joined the Irish Prison Service as a young man. Rising through the ranks, he went on to govern Mountjoy Prison, Ireland’s largest prison, for more than twenty-two years, and later served as Governor of the high-security Portlaoise Prison. Throughout his career, John witnessed first-hand the many social and personal factors that lead people into difficulty, shaping his lifelong belief in the power of compassion, education and opportunity to change lives. Since retiring in 2010, John has continued to contribute to public life through writing, speaking, and community engagement. His autobiography, The Governor, offers a compelling account of his experiences and insights, while his second book, Parenting: Raising Your Child in Ireland Today, focuses on practical, empathetic approaches to raising resilient children. All royalties are donated to Barnardos. Today, John shares his expertise across a wide range of audiences, from corporate groups to teachers, parents and community organisations. His talks are known for their authenticity, practical wisdom and deep humanity, offering guidance on leadership, mental health, resilience and the vital importance of connection.

John's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Positive Mental Health: Nurturing Happiness and Contentment

John Lonergan offers a practical approach to achieving happiness and inner peace. Focusing on daily actions and choices, he discusses the importance of gratitude, self-forgiveness, kindness, meaningful connections and the power of simple habits. With a calm and reflective style, John highlights how personal responsibility and small, consistent decisions can lead to a more fulfilled life.

Leadership and Motivation: How to Get the Best Out of Others

John Lonergan draws on decades of leadership experience to reveal what truly motivates and inspires people. He explores the importance of authenticity, respect, consultation and consistency, and explains why personal example is the most powerful tool a leader has. John’s thoughtful, relatable approach helps leaders build teams rooted in trust, fairness and shared purpose.

Parenting

John Lonergan explores the real-life challenges parents face in today's complex world. Drawing on his deep experience, he covers communication, the value of listening, parenting by example and nurturing self-confidence. John shares practical strategies for building open, trusting relationships with children of all ages, helping parents foster resilience, acceptance and emotional wellbeing at home.

Wellbeing and Resilience for Students

Speaking directly to students, John Lonergan offers guidance on building personal resilience and maintaining mental wellbeing. He discusses the value of self-care, gratitude, forgiveness and nurturing positive relationships. With warmth and clarity, John helps young people understand how everyday choices and attitudes can strengthen their ability to face challenges and thrive.

Nurturing Impact for Teachers

John Lonergan addresses the complex realities of teaching, highlighting the powerful and lasting impact great teachers can have. He examines strategies for managing challenging behaviour, fostering connection over correction, and maintaining personal wellbeing. Through a compassionate lens, John shows why self-care is essential for teachers who want to make a meaningful difference.

Why we recommend booking John

Unlock transformative insights with John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison and acclaimed author. His expertise in leadership, mental health, and parenting equips teams to address today’s challenges. Book now to inspire change and foster resilience in your organisation.

Check John's availability

Trusted by Mountjoy Prison

Featured Projects

The Governor: The Life And Times Of The Man Who Ran Mountjoy

Parenting: Raising Your Child In Ireland Today

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How do I book John Lonergan for my next event?

Email john.lonergan@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure John Lonergan for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about John Lonergan's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting John Lonergan directly.

What is John Lonergan's speaking style like?

John delivers authentic, insightful talks grounded in real-world experience. His style is compassionate and practical, offering audiences wisdom on leadership, resilience, and social issues with warmth and clarity.

What topics does John Lonergan specialise in?

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