GAA MANAGER FITZMAURICE IS POBALSCOIL’S NEW HEAD[
KERRY SENIOR MANAGER TAKES HELM HAVING TAUGHT IN DINGLE SINCE 2001
ÉAMONN Fitzmaurice is to take over as principal at Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne for the new academic year, following an interview process held over the weekend.
The Kerry senior football team manager becomes the Dingle-based school’s second Principal following the retirement of Pádraig Feirtéar, who has served as principal since the school’s opening in 2007. Prior to that year’s amalgamation of Meánscoil na mBráithre and Meánscoil na Toirbhirte Daingean Uí Chúis, Mr Feirtéar had been principal at Meánscoil na mBráithre since 1992.
Mr Fitzmaurice has taught in Dingle since 2001, when he was appointed to his first post at Meánscoil na mBráithre. He has taught Business Studies, CSPE, PE, and Geography, but is perhaps best-known as a History teacher. Ahead of his appointment as Principal, he had exclusively taught History, which he described to The Kerryman as his favourite subject. He has been a key figure in some of the school’s top sporting successes, none greater than when he managed the 2014 Hogan Cup-winning team.
Mr Fitzmaurice admitted that the position will come with its challenges, but he told The Kerryman that he is looking forward to the role.
“I’m delighted, and it’s exciting of course, but I’m very conscious that I have big shoes to fill following Padraig,” he said. “Being principal comes with a lot of responsibility in any school, but particularly in Dingle, where it’s at the centre of the community.
“There’s a lot of hard work ahead and I’m sure I’ll need to refer to the staff and Vice-Principal Elaine Ní Loinsigh throughout the coming year.
“I’m hoping to keep the Irish language to the fore as we are in the heart of the Gaeltacht, and I’ll set out to make sure every student is maximising their potential academic-wise personality-wise. In terms of juggling work and football, I’m well used of managing my time and commitments, and my wife, Tina, will continue to help me in that regard.”