Latest news with #FintanMonahan
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Rural Tipperary community ‘deeply saddened' as primary school to close down
St Joseph's National School, which opened in the 1960s, is a rural, mixed school in Aglish village in the parish of Borrisokane, north Tipperary. It's understood that the school, which once had a peak of more than 30 pupils, had dwindled to less than ten students in recent times, with two teachers, including the principal. The latest Department of Education report, conducted in November last year, stated that there were 13 pupils enrolled. Due to these dwindling pupil numbers, the Patron of St Joseph's NS, Bishop Fintan Monahan, has decided that the primary school will close with effect from August 31 next. His decision has been arrived at following consultation with the Department of Education and Youth. Bishop Monahan said he understands that this decision will 'undoubtedly be a source of sadness' for school staff, and the wider school and parish community. However, due to the significant reduction in the school's enrolment over the past few years, and the fact that there are now no pupils enrolled for September 2025, Bishop Monahan said he no longer believes that it is a viable option to keep the school open, in terms of its functioning as a mainstream primary school. In a statement to the Irish Independent, principal Sheelagh Grace, said: 'Yes, as school principal I am deeply saddened regarding the closure of our beautiful little school.' Parents and members of the local community have voiced their sadness and frustration on social media. One local resident commented: 'I'm so sad to see this. The people of Aglish who have gone before us and who are to come are losing out on their community hub, their anchor, their right to go to school where they choose. Thinking also of the McDonald family who anchored the school for so long. The school may be ending but the lovely community remains.' Another Aglish resident said: 'Seven of my family went there. It was a great school. When they celebrated 50 years open, it was fantastic to meet up with so many past pupils. This is just so sad, how many communities would love to have this school.' Data taken in Census 2022 showed that 267 people were resident in Aglish and the surrounding areas at the time, including 21 children aged younger than 10 and 20 aged 10 to 14. The previous Census of 2016 found the same population, with 22 children aged younger than 10, while the 2011 Census recorded a population of 299 people, including 34 children aged younger than 10. That year there were a further 27 children aged 10 to 14 resident.
Irish Post
05-06-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Principal's ‘inspirational leadership' commended as he announces retirement from historic Irish school
A PRINCIPAL who has served at an historic Irish secondary school for more than eight years has announced his retirement. Father Ignatius McCormack will retire from his position as principal of St. Flannan's College in September, bringing an end to his 24-year career at the school in Ennis, Co. Clare. Fr McCormack, who hails from Kilcolman in Co. Offaly, first joined St. Flannan's in 2001 as a teacher. Father Ignatius McCormack has announced his retirement He later served as dean of the boarding school before being appointed principal in 2017. 'It has been a great privilege to serve as principal of St. Flannan's College, a place I fell in love with when I first drove through its gates in 2001,' he said this week. 'I am deeply grateful to the staff, students, parents, and board of management for their support over the years,' he added. 'As I prepare to step back, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished together.' Bishop of Killaloe Fintan Monahan, who is patron of St. Flannan's College, described Fr. Ignatius as an 'inspirational leader and a steady hand at the helm of St. Flannan's College'. 'His leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to the values and mission of Catholic education, fostering a spirit of compassion, integrity, and excellence,' he explained. 'His impact on the life of the school is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed.' After a sabbatical following his retirement, Fr. Ignatius is set to return to parish ministry. The board at St. Flannan's has confirmed the process to appoint a new principal will begin in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. Fr Ignatius McCormack and Bishop of Killaloe and Patron of St. Flannan's College, Fintan Monahan (Pic: Paul Corey) 'Fr Ignatius McCormack's tenure has been marked by inspiring leadership, unwavering commitment, and genuine pastoral care,' Leonard Cleary, Chairperson of the St. Flannan's College Board of Management, said. 'Thanks to his guidance, the school and its students have thrived academically and spiritually. 'I extend our heartfelt thanks for his exceptional service and wish him every blessing as he embarks on the next chapter of his priestly ministry.' Taking its name from the 7th-century patron saint of the Dál gCais, St Flannan's can trace its origins back to Springfield House in Ennis in 1846. It relocated to the current school 30 years later, which underwent a significant expansion during the 1960s and again in 2003. Co-educational classes were introduced at the school in 2002. Fr Ignatius McCormack pictured with members of the board of St. Flannan's College. Back row (l-r) Benny Duggan, Daragh Hassett, Leonard Cleary (Chair), Bishop Fintan Monahan (School Patron), and Christy O'Connor. Front row (l-r) Tracey O'Donoghue, Elaine Duffy, Marion Coughlan Flynn, Marie Keane. (Pic: Paul Corey) Fr McCormack's retirement later this year will coincide with the opening of the first phase of a significant expansion of the historic St. Flannan's campus. The new 2,500 sqm development features special educational needs facilities and general educational spaces, including classrooms, science rooms, and a construction studies room. The expansion is supported by the Department of Education and is regarded as a prototype rapid build project, which could be replicated elsewhere throughout Ireland.
