Donegal ETB has appointed Mr Patrick Queenan as the new Principal of Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille on Tory Island.
An Irish medium school, Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille opened in 1999 to serve both children and adults of Tory Island. Before the school was founded, the Island’s young people had to leave their families and home behind to continue with second-level education which at the time was only available on the mainland. Donegal ETB, together with the parents of the Island, worked together to ensure that Tory’s young people could avail of second-level education at home on the Island.
Originally from Ballymote in Sligo, Patrick qualified and worked as a toolmaker before returning to higher education to complete his degree at the University of Limerick. He has been teaching metalwork, engineering and maths at the school for twelve years. During this time, he has developed a great love for the island, eventually settling and deciding to raise a family there after marrying an islander, Winne (McGinty).
Patrick said of his appointment, “I am looking forward to working with the current staff, students, parents/guardians, the island residents and Donegal ETB to continue the great success Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille has had up to now. I’m also looking forward to the new challenges the role will bring and making new connections and acquaintances along the way.”
Coláiste Pobail Cholmcille is one of two island schools that Donegal Education and Training Board manages. Donegal ETB is the largest education and training provider in the county and manages fifteen out of the county’s twenty-seven post-primary schools.
In congratulating Patrick on his appointment, Donegal ETB’s Director of Schools Dr Martin Gormley said, “I’m delighted he has joined the senior ranks of our post-primary management team and I very much look forward to supporting him in his new role over the coming year.”
In the previous academic year 2019-2020, over 5,000 students attended Donegal ETB post-primary schools.
Chief Executive Anne McHugh said, “I very much welcome this appointment to our Tory Island school. The contribution of our Principals to the management of our post-primary provision is central to our delivery of a quality, learner-centred education and training service across the county and its islands.”
Patrick officially takes up his appointment on 01 September.
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