Gaelcholáiste pays warm tribute to retired Príomhoide

AUSTIN Ó Seachnasaigh’s years of dedicated service to the Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí secondary school – which culminated in a hugely-successful period as principal – were the focus of a very special celebration in Tralee’s Meadowlands Hotel on Friday night. Iar-scoláirí, present students, parents and staff joined as one to wish Austin (pictured) the very best for the future. Parents’ Council chairperson Noel Keenan led tributes on the night as he communicated to Cromane native Austin all that he means to the school community. Austin built on the success of the all-Irish secondary to a great degree as one of its six original teachers and, latterly, during his six-years as principal. Successor Ruairí Ó Cinnéide takes over amid higher enrolment than ever and plans for a purpose-built campus well underway. For his part Austin was keen to emphasise that he was one part of a brilliant workforce that built on the great legacy of former teachers – such as Pádraig Ó Dálaigh, Éamon Fitzmaurice Snr and Pádraig Ó Lúing – to take the native tongue to ever greater heights in Kerry education.

Photos by Domnick Walsh LEFT: Niamh Walsh, Cliff Barrett, Mary Ellen Uí Chonchubhair and Sorcha Ní Shúilleabháin. ABOVE: Gaelcholáiste Principal Ruairí Ó Cinnéide with Caíomhe, Majella and Noel Keenan.