New head makes history at Flannan’s

St Flannan’s College in Ennis has appointed its first female principal in its more than 100-year history. Carmel Honan takes over the role from Colm McDonagh, who was the first layperson to hold the position at the well-known school.

 

Ms Honan grew up in the shadow of St Flannan’s College and attended the Holy Family National School and Coláiste Muire. She returned to Ennis in 1990, shortly after qualifying as a teacher, and has taught English and history during her time in the college.

“I am excited by the challenge the role will bring. I was very fortunate to find myself in life doing what I was passionate about, which is teaching. For me, arriving at this point in my career began in the classroom. I am looking forward to the challenges of a diverse community and to maintaining that tradition of servicing the educational needs of a broad community,” Ms Honan told The Clare Champion.

“I think the wealth of any institution or group is its people. There is a great staff, an interested and supportive parents and students body and that will sustain me on the road ahead,” Ms Honan continued.
While Ms Honan is delighted with her appointment, she said she will miss teaching.

“I have been extraordinarily happy and fortunate and privileged to belong to the community of St Flannan’s College as a teacher. I love teaching, it is as simple as that and I will miss it,” she said.
However taking on the role of principal will allow Ms Honan to focus on another area that has made her time in the school so enjoyable to date.

“St Flannan’s is committed to the care of people. That is why I have been happy there. It has always been about motivating people to be the best they can possibly be and that is relevant for students and also staff. I want to continue that,” she said.

St Flannan’s College began as a diocesan seminary and a day and boarding school for boys. Work began on its building on the Limerick Road in 1879 and it was not until 2002 that the school became co-educational. The boarding school closed in 2005.

“There is a historic significance to the appointment of a female principal at St Flannan’s College, yes, but if you look at the history of the school and if you go back to the roots of St Flannan’s, it was always about moving with, and responding to, the times.

“That was proven when Colm McDonagh became the first lay principal and my appointment is in keeping with St Flannan’s record of responding to changing times,” Ms Honan noted.

Fr Joseph McMahon is president of the college. “I welcome the appointment of Carmel Honan, as she starts a new chapter in college history. I appreciate the values, insights and ideas as well as the practical experience and common sense that she will bring to the job. She will have the good will and support of all the staff in building on the outstanding contribution made by our retiring principal, Colm McDonagh,” he told The Clare Champion.

Ms Honan also paid tribute to her predecessor, Colm McDonagh, who is retiring from the role.

“Colm has been an inspiring colleague and principal and a man of great vision,” she stated.
Ms Honan is well-known to people in Ennis and further afield. She is chairperson of the board of management of the Holy Family Senior School and served on the board of management of Glenstal Abbey School in Murroe. Ms Honan is also very involved in music and is a member of the Cantare Chamber Choir.