NICKY LEADS THE TRIBUTES TO ‘AMAZING’ MR ROONEY
X Factor star’s grief as St Aidan’s High headteacher passes away
The funeral of a popular headteacher of a Wishaw secondary school will be held today (Wednesday).
Hundreds of mourners including colleagues and pupils will say their final farewell to St Aidan’s High headteacher Tony Rooney.
Former pupil Nicholas McDonald ( pictured left), who was runner up in the X Factor, said he was deeply saddened to hear of Mr Rooney’s death.
He said: “He was such an amazing and genuine man.
“He gave me the courage and support I needed throughout my years at school, as he did with all his pupils.”
Tributes were this week paid to popular St Aidan’s High School headteacher Tony Rooney who died aged 62 years.
Much-loved Mr Rooney passed away last Wednesday after suffering a short illness that had forced him to leave his position at the school after 11 years.
Hundreds of mourners including pupils and teachers were expected to attend Mr Rooney’s funeral held today (Wednesday) at St Bride’s Church, East Kilbride.
Former St Aidan’s High pupil Nicholas McDonald, who was runnerup in the X Factor, said he was deeply saddened to hear of Mr Rooney’s death.
He posted on his Facebook page: “I have just heard such sad news tonight of the passing of Mr Rooney, my former head teacher from St Aidan’s High school. “We are deeply saddened. “He was such an amazing and genuine man.
“He gave me the courage and support I needed throughout my years at school, as he did with all his pupils.
“He was such a genuine man and took great care and pride of his school and his staff.
“He was a true gent who will be sadly missed by all. “He truly was a man in a million. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
“I personally will cherish all the beautiful memories of you in my heart forever. RIP, Mr Rooney.”
Isabelle Boyd, the council’s assistant chief executive in education, said the entire school community in North Lanarkshire were saddened to learn of his death.
She added: “Tony was very well-liked by colleagues and pupils in his care and led St Aidan’s in a highly effective manner for more than 10 years.
“He was a very thoughtful individual who supported colleagues quietly through any difficulties they may have faced.
“He will be much missed by all members of staff and pupils and leaves a big gap in the life of the school.”
Under Mr Rooney’s leadership, St Aidan’s were shortlisted in the ‘Secondary School of the Year’ category for the TES Schools Awards 2015 in London.
During a 40-year career in education, he was deputy headteacher at Taylor High School, New Stevenston, and assistant head teacher and principal teacher in Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, Dumbarton.
Throughout his career in education and, particularly when serving as head teacher, Mr Rooney contributed to the development of Catholic education through membership of the Catholic Headteachers’ Association of Scotland.
He had contributed time and resources from St Aidan’s to support many memorable Masses held for young people at Carfin Grotto in the period after the visit of Pope Benedict in 2010.
Mr Rooney will be laid to rest today (Wednesday) at 11.30am in St Bride’s Church, East Kilbride.