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.
How can I book John Lonergan for my next event?
Email john.lonergan@getapeptalk.com, or call us 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.
PepTalk are the official speaking agents for John Lonergan available to book for corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity endorsements, 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. For media interviews, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting John directly.
What topics does John Lonergan specialise in?
John Lonergan specialises in discussing leadership, mental health, social justice and more.
What is John Lonergan's speaking style like?
John captivates audiences with his compelling insights and authenticity, delivering thought-provoking talks on leadership and resilience. His presentations are highly regarded for their relevance and profound impact on listeners.
Does John Lonergan offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, John Lonergan offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.