Since 2011, Mark has been managing and running Ireland’s first and only archaeology school which specialises in educating our younger generations & adults about Ireland’s past through experiential workshops. He has been an archaeologist in the commercial sector for 23 years and he now uses his knowledge and experience to encourage locals communities to explore their past by taking part in his innovative workshops – His award winning company, The School of Irish Archaeology is a service provider for the cultural & heritage sector. Mark works with Education & Training Boards (ETBs) delivering archaeology workshops to Primary & Secondary Level schools nationwide. Mark works with local authorities delivering workshops, heritage events & he facilitates camps for County Museums such as Mongahan & Tipperary County Museum. The SIA takes part in some of the biggest festivals Nationwide such as St Patrick's Day Festival in Dublin, Electric Picnic and Kaleidoscope Using his unique, creative and innovative product 'The Big Dig', enables him to educate future generations about Ireland’s rich ancient cultural heritage. Mark's mission is to bring the past to life by enabling young people & adults to learn about Ireland’s past in a unique, hands-on and (most importantly!) fun learning environment. He is motivated, enthusiastic and has a positive, and passionate work ethic which helps him to collaborate well with members of the public and community groups. Since the foundation of his company he has built a strong client base and reputation within the cultural and heritage sector. He can communicate well and Mark brings his confidence and passion for his work to every aspect of his business. Mark is very driven about his current position at SIA and he wants to change how archaeology is taught at all school levels and throughout the wider community. His methods of education are used through an active learning approach in order to create a change by making archaeology tangible, accessible and interesting. He believes by engaging our future generations today about the past, their identity and heritage can have positive and long-lasting effects. Mark's goal is not only to promote archaeology through education but to help the future generation of people to understand who they are, where they come from and to appreciate the multicultural society they live in today. As a result, his ultimate aim is to promote cultural diversity, respect, tolerance and understanding for all of us within society today by learning about our ancestors past achievements and even their failures.