After the best part of forty years working in different roles in post-primary education, Gerry Quinn is due to retire from St Fergal’s College in October.
Perhaps ironically his family background has many primary school teachers.
This includes a great-grandfather from Co Derry. So, for one side of his family, this is a teaching thread which found its long way to Rathdowney.
Gerry’s career in education included teaching in a variety of schools in various parts of England and Ireland.
He was also President of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) when it was involved in industrial action and negotiating settlements to national disputes.
Later he served as Chairperson of the Teaching Council and has had an article published in an international education journal.
Yet there is a special place in his heart for the ‘chalk face’ while teaching in St Fergal’s College.
Gerry said: “I consider myself fortunate to have spent most of my career in St Fergal’s.
“Beforehand I taught in a challenging school in London which meant I could appreciate, even more, the advantages of teaching here.
“Many of the students in Rathdowney were a joy to teach such that I will continue to miss aspects of that work.
“Parents were another positive part of my experience as I found them mostly to be reasonable and supportive. It got to a point in time when former students became parents or colleagues, which was an interesting and rewarding experience too.
“I also had many inspiring colleagues who modelled educational values and promoted progressive ideas. I am grateful to them all especially as teaching is a very demanding job.”
In his final years, spent as principal, Mr Quinn was presented with the opportunity to work with capable people to develop the school.
He said: “At staff, Board of Management and LOETB levels those people put their shoulder to the wheel. It is great to see the fruit of that work now.
“Our new modular timber two-storey building is well under way and is scheduled to be ready for use next February. As well as expanding our current school it is a progressive design in terms of the environment and education.
“It includes three general classrooms, a Design and Communication Graphics (DCG) room, an Engineering room, and a Construction Studies room, as well as SET/Pastoral rooms, student social areas and a library.
“The practical rooms will have new equipment and machinery. The Department of Education has also agreed to retrofit the part of our school which we call the ‘old building’, to accommodate our two new Special Classes, with state-of-the-art facilities, as well as two general classrooms.
“A combination of factors created the momentum which brought this exciting educational development about. While the starting point was a less ambitious plan from the Department, they deserve credit for supporting its expansion.
“The contributory factors for this included the need to address problems with our “old building,” increased enrolment and professional human input.
“This latter point included the support and expertise of LOETB officials, the CE Mr Joe Cunningham, the Director of Schools Ms Linda Tynan, the recently retired Director of Organisation Support and Development Ms Marie Bracken, the then Head of HR Pam Nolan, and Head of Procurement Mr Aiden Maloney.
“Francis Carroll, from MCOH Architects, along with their design team, have also been instrumental in developing the plans and moving the project forward.
“All these developments are complimented by our new 60×30 metre all-weather pitch. It is at an advanced stage of construction and will enhance our provision of PE.
“The funding for this came from a combination of sources. This started with a substantial Capital Sports Grant, the application for which began with a decisive discussion I had with Ms Ann-Marie Maher of Laois County Council and the Chairperson of our Board of Management Cllr John King.
“The grant application secured vital support from our local Camogie Club, St Brigid’s. We have an excellent working relationship with St Brigid’s in support of our common aim to promote female participation in sport.
“LOETB also played a crucial role in terms of technical support and sourcing the major additional funds required.”
“Together we have brought about many positive changes and consequently built on the progress of previous eras and generations.
“The school can be justifiably proud of its past as well as ambitious for its future.
“On that note I wish the next Principal, and current Deputy Principal, Ms Carole Devine well. She has the professional dedication and ability to serve the school community with distinction.”
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