The Board of Management of St Flannan’s College, Ennis, Co. Clare, recently announced the appointment of a new principal, Donal Cahir, a native of Kilnamona.
Mr Cahir joined the staff of the diocesan school in 1999 and was appointed deputy principal in 2017. He succeeds Fr Ignatius McCormack, who worked with him in managing the school for the past eight years.
Speaking following the announcement, Mr Cahir said it was a “great privilege and honour” to lead a school that has been central to his life for almost three decades. He said he was committed to safeguarding the school’s strong Catholic ethos while guiding its continued development as a modern centre of learning.
Bishop of Killaloe and patron of the school, Bishop Fintan Monahan, welcomed the appointment, describing Mr Cahir as having a deep knowledge of the school’s traditions, ethos and values. He said Mr Cahir’s dedication to students and staff would stand him in good stead as he assumes the role.
Board chair Leonard Cleary also congratulated Mr Cahir and paid tribute to Fr McCormack for his dedicated service and leadership.
Mr Cahir’s appointment comes as St Flannan’s College continues a major campus expansion, including new SEN and general educational facilities supported by the Department of Education.