Passing of much loved teacher
THERE was widespread sadness amongst past and present pupils and staff of Summerhill College, Sligo at the news of the passing of retired teacher, Michael McGowan.
He was a popular member of the staff having started there in September 1968.
The history teacher retired in 2008 and left an indelible mark as a caring, kind and dedicated teacher.
Mr McGowan of Cairns Road, passed away peacefully, last Tuesday, January 28th, at St. John’s Community Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary and daughters, Maeve and Clíodhna.
Requiem Mass took place at The Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, Sligo on Thursday morning followed by burial in Sligo Cemetery.
Mr McGowan spent a total of 45 years in Summerhill including the time he spent there as a student.
He entered Summerhill in 1959 as a 13-year-old and after his Leaving Certificate he spent four years in UCG before returning to teach in September 1968.
He saw many changes at the college both in terms of a move to more lay teaching staff and also the many structural changes as the school expanded to one thousand students.
He worked under six principals: Fr Thomas Finnegan, Fr. John Greene, Fr. Austin McKeon, Fr. Kevin Earley and Michael Murphy.
Mr McGowan was a keen soccer supporter and was also an accomplished player in his younger days.
He captained UCG to its second Collingwood Cup success in 1968.
He also coached many of Summerhill College’s soccer teams and he was particularly pleased with the success they achieved.
One of his favourite players was Paul McGee, a native of Sligo and former pupil at Summerhill.
Mr McGowan often spoke of his pride at the successful career Paul had, the striker going on to play for QPR in the old English League First Division and also playing for Ireland.
Mr McGowan was also a big supporter of Sligo Rovers and was a regular attender in The Showgrounds.
There have been many tributes to Mr McGowan from former past and present pupils and teachers on social media over the past week.