Sean McCreanor’s dream about to become a reality
October 1980
A LONG-CHERISHED dream of Dunleer Vocational School Principal, Mr. J. D (Sean) McCreanor, of having a leaving cert cycle course included in the school’s curriculum, would seem to be a stage nearer to a reality as a result of a further significant rise in the enrolments.
Mr. McCreanor, a native of Ardee, and who has held the Principalship since the schools opening back in ‘54, told the D.I. that the present figures of 122 were the highest yet.
“A continuation of this growth trend will surely lead to the green light from the authorities for a leaving cert cycle”, was his confident assertion.
To cater for the present pupil ratio, a spacious new pre-fab has been added. This in fact is the third such addition, two smaller structures having been provided some twelve years back. Attendances at Dunleer are now on their way to being treble of those obtaining in the initial years.
Three other features in the management’s cap: The inter cert results (‘80) were the best yet, while the level of discipline is regarded as excellent. There’s also a fine relationship between the schools teachers and the parents of pupils.
Mr. McCreanor’s views are readily supported by the vice principal, Mr. Donnchadha MacRaghnaill, who is also a well-known figure in the public life of the county.
The present staff and their subjects are — Sean McCreanor (Principal), woodwork/drawing; D. MacRaghnaill (vice-do), metalwork/maths; Noreen Mills, Irish/history; Valerie Kelly, Commerce/geography; Gerry Bishop, science; and three newcomers, Katherine Shannon, maths/English; Jean Twomey, French/ English, and Mrs Frances Beard, home economics. Rev. Patrick McEnroe, C.C., Dunleer, is the Chaplain.