SCHOOL’S OUT FOR PETER

WHEN Peter Kierans retired after 21 years as CEO of the Louth Meath Education Training Board last week, he left a legacy that will be hard to match and probably never equalled.

He firmly believes in education being the ‘passport’ to a good life and how it ‘ breaks the cycle of disadvantage’ and proud that he helped put that into practice at various times over the years.

Last week he was in Scoil ui Mhuiri in Dunleer for the launch of its extension and he hopes to see Colaiste Cuchulainn in Dundalk commence by the end of October.

The new LMETB HQ on Marley’s Lane is also earmarked for a start by the end of this year.

The Drogheda native began his working life as a primary teacher in 1970, then moving to post primary in Wicklow and becoming part of the Concern team for a spell.

He’d later head to Dun- shaughlin and in 1986, became the first deputy principal at St Oliver’s CC. Six years later he joined O’Connell’s school in Dublin.

‘It has been a tremendous journey and we’ve seen a huge population increase,’ he states, adding that the new schools have assisted the drop in numbers of early school leavers.

‘ The new schools have a new ethos and adopt new ideas and curriculum ideas and there’s progressive teaching. But strong leadership in schools is fundamental.’ He praised the team with him over the years and their energy.

This week, he promises that the garden will get a makeover and he’ll have a chance to meet up with family on a more regular basis.

‘My big ambition was to walk out the door at 65 and I’ve done that. I’m not looking for work, but some years ago I began a seminar series for school leaders and will be of assistance to anyone who needs it,’ he added.