'Let the new chapter begin' - principal of Athy College, Kildare retires after 32 years

The principal of Athy College, Co Kildare, Mr Richard Daly, has issued a statement upon his retirement, having served the school as principal since 1993.

In a post issued on social media, Mr Daly thanked the KWETB, the Board of Management, as well as parents, students and staff - past and present - “for their support and kindness over several decades.”

He also thanked the community, public representatives and the various organisations and clubs he has worked with for their co-operation and assistance over that time.

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He said: “I hope that in my time as principal I have assisted students both academically and socially and have helped to create an open educational setting which welcomes all and responded to the needs of our students and our community. It has been a privilege and an honour.

“Over the past decades Athy College has become the first choice for a large percentage of students and has expanded dramatically in size. A new extension bringing it to 1000 pupils is about to commence and last year had the highest number of students progressing to third level among most of the local schools.”

Mr Daly pointed to the “amazing success” the school has had over the years in sports and extra-curricular activities, and particularly in music and the performing arts.

He pointed out that Athy College was Ireland's first Google Reference School and has assisted dozens of other schools to embrace new technology.

“Above all”, he said, the school has always had a policy of inclusion, and welcoming students “of all faiths and none”, all abilities, all nationalities and all socio economic groups.

He added: “I want to thank the principals and communities of the primary schools on campus who have all worked in cooperation to create a campus where we all work together to provide high quality education for all sections of our community.

“I want to assure parents, students and the community that they can expect the same student centered and welcoming atmosphere in the school under the new principal, Ms Mary Marum, who holds the same values as myself and who will continue to deliver the same excellence in delivery to students and warm atmosphere that you have become used to.

“I wish to thank most sincerely my two deputies, Ms Ennis and Ms Sweeney who have been the heart and soul of the school and whose dedication has been above and beyond their job specification.”

Mr Daly's term as principal of Athy College ends on September 1, and he will be in attendance for the first week to welcome students back after the summer holidays, as well as new students.

He concluded: “I wish to particularly thank Celine, Ricky and Olivia who have supported me and the school on a daily basis and without whom this project would not have been as successful and relevant.

“Let the new chapter begin.”