Surrounded by a family deeply rooted in education, heritage, and skilled trades. Her father is an archaeologist and ex serviceman, and her mother worked as an educational assessor, examiner, and verifier for third-level institutions. Much of Niamh’s childhood and adolescence was spent at the Dysert O’Dea Castle and Archaeological Centre, where she developed an enduring interest in construction, history, and restoration—an influence from her father and maternal grandfather, a master craftsman.

After earning her degree in Civil Engineering from NUI Galway, Niamh began her career on-site in Ghana, West Africa, before returning to Ireland to work with John Sisk & Son. She later joined BAM Nuttall in London, contributing to the structures, bridges and highways contract for the London 2012 Olympic Games. During this period, she achieved chartered status with the Institution of Civil Engineers and joined the successful legacy tendering team for the post Olympic Games refurbishment.
While working on the Olympic Park, Niamh pursued a master’s degree in construction law and dispute resolution driven by her observation of the disconnect between on-site practice and the legal frameworks governing construction contracts and administration. After completing her master’s in 2014, she moved to Canada to specialize full-time in construction claims, working with both construction companies and consultancies.