Clare man Donal Cahir has been appointed as principal of St Flannan’s College in Ennis.
A native of Kilnamona, Mr Cahir first joined the staff of St Flannan’s in 1999 as a teacher before being appointed Deputy Principal in 2017.
"It is a great privilege and honour to lead a school that has been such a central part of my life for the past 27 years," Mr Cahir said.
"Having served as Deputy Principal for the past eight years, I have greatly valued working as part of the senior management team and look forward to building on that experience in this role.
"St Flannan’s College has a proud history dating back to the mid-19th century, with a rich heritage and a strong Catholic ethos that underpins everything we do," he said.
Mr Cahir said he is committed to honouring and safeguarding that tradition, while also guiding the school’s development as a modern, forward-looking centre of learning.
Bishop of Killaloe and patron of St Flannan's College, Fintan Monahan welcomed the appointment.
"Donal’s dedication to students and staff alike, together with his experience and understanding of St Flannan’s College, will stand him in excellent stead as he takes on this important role," Bishop Monahan said.
Leonard Cleary, Chairperson of the board of management congratulated Mr Cahir on his appointment as principal.
Mr Cleary also paid tribute to the outgoing and retiring Principal Fr Ignatius McCormack for his "outstanding leadership over the past eight years and for his deep commitment to the school community".
St Flannan’s College, which takes its name from the 7th-century patron saint of the Dál gCais, can trace its origins back to Springfield House in 1846, before it relocated to the current school 30 years later.
The school underwent a significant expansion during the 1960s and again in 2003, with the development of a new wing featuring extensive new facilities. Co-educational classes were introduced in 2002.
The first phase of a significant expansion of the historic campus opened in September. Once fully completed, the 2,500 sq m development will comprise 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.
