A Donegal native has been appointed as a new Deputy Principal of Portlaoise College secondary school.
As we previously reported, Portlaoise Institute’s growth has seen Keith McClearn take the Principalship, which has created an opportunity to fill his position as the third Deputy Principal.
Donegal native, Patrick Travers, joins the school’s Senior Leadership Team of Noel Daly (Principal), Patricia Cullen (Deputy Principal) and Mary Marum (Deputy Principal).
Patrick had been a teaching staff member for ten years, working as an English, History and Politics and Society teacher.
He said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge of helping Portlaoise College’s growth, which has come as a result of the staff and the dedication they have to ensure all of our students thrive and reach their full potential.”
Patrick attended St Joseph’s Primary School, taught by Conor Carney, brother of GAA legend and commentator Martin.
He said: “It was here that I first saw the impact that a teacher can have on a student. Conor made learning an engaging experience, giving all his students the attention they deserved.
“His classes were underpinned by a sense of fairness and love for what he did”.
From there, he attended De La Salle Brothers Secondary School. “Our school was steeped in GAA and the first time I had heard of Portlaoise was from the fact that in 1980 our school defeated Portlaoise CBS to win the All-Ireland Football Final.
“After finishing school, I attended NUI, Galway where I studied English, History and Politics. I followed this by completing a Master’s Degree in the History of the Erne Scheme and the impact it had locally and on international relations between the fledgeling Irish state and the British Government.”
The Ballyshannon man then had a wide and varied career before embarking on a role in Education.
Patrick said: “I wanted to try different things. I spent a few years working for American credit card Giant MBNA as Recruitment Coordinator before I got itchy feet and went to Australia for a few years where I worked for Hays Recruitment.
“Upon returning I worked in Community Development in Laois before returning to education to complete the PDGE.”
First working in Tallaght Community School, he then secured a position at Portlaoise College where he has been involved in coaching soccer and GAA teams as well as being editor of the school yearbook.
Patrick said: “Working with extra-curricular teams and sports gives a great connection to the students and engages them in being part of the school community.
“It was coaching school teams that got me involved with Laois GAA. I have been involved with Laois Development Squads for several years including the minor footballers during the two Covid championships, which was really hard on players.
“I am currently manager of the Laois U-14 Footballers and do a bit of coaching with my local club O’Dempsey’s at underage level too.”
In the last number of years, Patrick has been a member of the middle-management team in the school.
“I completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management at NUI Maynooth and gained a real grounding in school leadership.
“I have worked as the School’s Self-Evaluation Co-ordinator and more recently as the Programme Coordinator with responsibility for Transition Year, LCA, LCVP and Junior Cert School’s Programme. I am now looking forward to helping the school move forward and progress as a member of the senior Leadership Team.”
Principal Noel Daly stated said: “As principal I am really delighted that Patrick is joining our great Deputy Principal team of Patricia Cullen and Mary Marum.
“His addition will strengthen our already very strong team to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our students and that Portlaoise College continues to be the leading secondary school in the area.
“Can I take this opportunity to congratulate Patrick on his appointment and wish him every success in his new role.
“I am really looking forward to working with him, all school staff, students and Parents for the new academic year.”
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