This article is from page 22 of the 2012-06-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
AN ENNIS teacher has made history by becoming the first woman to be named as principal of St Flannan’s College. Carmel Honan, who grew up in College View directly opposite St Flannan’s, is also thought be the first ever female principal of a diocesan college in Ireland.
A former student of Holy Family National School and Coláiste Mhuire in Ennis, Ms Honan has worked at St Flannan’s since 1990, teaching English and History.
The Ennis native said she is “deeply honoured” to have been named principal of one of the country’s largest secondary schools.
She added, “I have been really fortunate to work at what I love doing, which is teaching. I am going to miss the classroom.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. I suppose I am excited about the challenge ahead.”
She replaces retiring principal Colm McDonagh, who became the first lay person to be appointed principal of the college.
Ms Honan said, “I certainly want to pay tribute to Colm. He was an inspiring colleague and an inspiring principal. He is a person of tremendous vision.”
She said she regards the appointment as “huge privilege”.
Ms Honan continued, “It’s a challenging role to ensure in the present climate that we cater for all of our diverse community.
“I grew up across the road from the school and I never once dreamed I’d be principal.
“I’ve always been happy at St Flannan’s because St Flannan’s is a place that was always concerned about people and motivating students.”
The history of the school dates back to 1846. It currently caters for over 1,200 students.