Sheelagh worked in hotel management in London and Ireland for over a decade after graduating from Shannon College of Hotel Management, including running her family business. Her career changed direction in 1998, entering the field of community development and from there moving into the public sector focused on economic development, entrepreneurship and enterprise through her role at both national and local level with the Local Enterprise Offices.

Sheelagh also holds a degree in Training & Education and a Masters in Project Management, and has been a Director on a number of boards including Microfinance Ireland. In her current role as Entrepreneurship Manager in Enterprise Ireland, Sheelagh is particularly focused on increasing participation by women in entrepreneurship.