Top marks for Cork principal

TRIBUTES were paid to an inspirational and pioneering school principal last night as the secondary school he founded marked its 25th anniversary.

Pat Kinsella, the principal of Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig, Co Cork — who has announced he will retire next February at the age of 64 — was the centre of attention as 400 guests came to celebrations at the school.

Clive Byrne, the director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies, praised his “inspirational leadership” over the last quarter of a century.

“The school epitomises a quality educational environment which if replicated everywhere would make much of the educational change now underway unnecessary,” he said.

Mr Kinsella said it has been a “unique privilege” for him to work in Coláiste Choilm.

“This is not just a job. It’s who I am,” he said.

“I am in awe of the energy and enthusiasm of everyone associated with school, even 25 years on.”

He said the school was founded during a recession and faces similar challenges today, but added: “I’m sure people will respond as they have done in the past, in the context of the change and reform that’s coming down the line.”

There is a tradition in his family of teaching and of establishing schools.

His father, Padraig, began his teaching career in Co Wexford in 1925, and was principal of three new schools.

Mr Kinsella was appointed principal when Coláiste Choilm was founded in 1987, with six teachers and 96 students.

They were accommodated in rooms in Ballincollig GAA until the school building was ready.

Then minister for education, Gemma Hussey, felt the school, designed for 400 students, was ‘generous’ and would more than cater for demand.

But within two years, the school was full. Today, there are 1,370 students on the roll with more than 100 staff.

At one stage all of Mr Kinsella’s family were in Coláiste Choilm — his children, Lisa and John as students, and his wife, Marjorie, on the teaching staff.

Two of the school’s first students, Peter Garry and Elaine Harte, have been teaching there for the last 15 years.

And as part of the anniversary celebrations, parents are helping to fund the construction of a general purpose area.

Coláiste Choilm is the largest provider of students to both UCC and CIT, with 12 students awarded university scholarships last year.

The school won the Most Sporting School in Ireland and took second place in Europe.

Four of last year’s Cork All-Ireland team — Ciarán Sheehan, Daniel Goulding, Padraig Kelly and John Miskella — are past pupils.