'Kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication' - Tributes paid to outgoing Mayo principal

COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (DECEMBER 9 EDITION)

Retiring principal of Scoil Iosa, Kenneth Dennedy, told a gathering at the Community Hall on November 28 that he is leaving the school in good hands with the promotion of Kevin Henry to the principal’s role. A presentation to the principal by local parishioners followed a mass in St Patrick’s Church to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Catholic boards of management in Irish schools.

Referencing the presence of his predecessor as principal Jim Lundon, he recalled the words of his good friend, deceased former Fianna Fail TD John Carty, 16 years ago when he took up the position: “You are starting the sprint but the marathon was run by Jim Lundon,” a reference to the school’s former principal who served several decades in the role.

Dennedy, who is planning to move to Abu Dhabi to work as an inspector of schools, was full of praise for local politicians who helped expedite various building projects at the school in recent years, including local councillor Alma Gallagher who, he said, had been very helpful “though we wouldn’t be on the same team politically.”

Local parish priest Stephen Farragher said Dennedy “leaves a legacy defined by kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the children and families of Ballyhaunis.”

“From the moment he first stepped through the doors of Scoil Íosa, Kenneth brought with him a kindness that put children instantly at ease and an approachability that made every parent feel supported and heard.”

Fr Farragher explained that the establishment of boards of management in Irish Catholic primary schools in October 1975 “marked a shift in the management of our schools, moving from an exclusively clerical model to a more inclusive structure involving parents and teachers.”

“This development resulted from complex negotiations influenced by historical church-state relations, Vatican II’s emphasis on lay involvement, and changing societal expectations regarding educational authority and participation.”

Fr Farragher encouraged parents to participate in a survey being conducted by the Department of Education on the future patronage of primary schools. “Archbishop Francis wrote to parishes and asked that the letter be published in parish newsletters. He stressed that the Church has no desire to have a monopoly on primary education.

“It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voices heard. It is equally important that those who are already satisfied with the current patronage model and who wish for a Catholic Education for their children, including sacramental preparation within school, would have their voices heard also.”