As Paul Fennelly Retires….
A young Paul Fennelly first arrived in Our Lady’s College in September 1986, having successfully interviewed for a position to teach Maths and Irish. As Paul points out, it was unusual to travel so far north from Kilkenny because most lads would venture no further than Croke Park!
Paul grew up in Cuffesgrange, in South Kilkenny, a place made famous as it was the ancestral home of James Hoban, the architect who designed the White House. A rural community, Paul has very fond memories of childhood playing Gaelic, hurling and soccer where his position was goalie. A passion for sport that was ignited in childhood has endured throughout his life.
On completion of secondary education in Kilkenny CBS, Paul pursued a Maths, Irish and History degree in Maynooth University, noting how he was inspired by teachers such as Mr. Grace whose interest in History was infectious, and a teacher in national school, Mr. Lawlor who had a passion for Irish. Paul credits the late Tony Henderson (RIP) whom he describes as an inspirational Maths teacher as the reason he decided to pursue study in Maths.
On leaving college, Paul taught for a while in Gorey before answering an ad in the Irish Independent to land what he describes as the “dream job” in Greenhills. On arrival in Drogheda, he immersed himself in the local scene, playing Gaelic football with O’ Raghallaigh’s, rugby in the then Delvin Club, and a spot of drama with St. Brigid’s Drama Society in the town.
Reflecting on his enduring early impressions of Greenhills, Paul emphasises the genuine sense of community that he encountered in the school, reminding him of the close-knit community values that characterised his childhood in Cuffesgrange, where people looked out for each other, and local farmers could rely on neighbours to lend a helping hand.
Paul emphasises the role of Pastoral Care in Greenhills and points out that he has had an unbroken record of involvement in the Pastoral Care system since his first year in the school. Kindness and respect are the words he uses repeatedly in describing his view of the rapport that pertains between staff and students in Greenhills. He has always endeavoured to nurture the wonderful spirit of cooperation and open communication between parents and the school. He also emphasises the value of the close ties between school and the community.
Looking back over his long career in Greenhills, he acknowledges the creativity and original thinking that characterised colleagues past and present. He speaks fondly of the late Noel Lyons and remarks on how empowering school leaders such as Pádraig Byrne and Dónal Lynch (both now retired) strove to encourage the best in all students.
Eager to contribute to the buzz and energy of his new school, Paul realised that his role would be to help facilitate greater sports involvement on the part of girls. He says that as a young lad growing up and playing lots of sport, he had been struck by the inequality experienced by his female contemporaries. With this in mind and encouraged by Padráig Byrne who was principal at the time, he resolved to establish a ladies Gaelic team in the school in 1992. Following its success, he was approached by local club Newtown Blues to help set up a ladies Gaelic team in the town in 1999. He managed that team for four years, only stopping to undertake postgraduate study in educational leadership and management.
A person who continues to inspire Paul is Sr. Agnes Byrne. He notes her selfless service to Greenhills and to the people of Drogheda, particularly vulnerable people. Paul was happy to support her work with Boomerang Café, serving on the Board of Management there for a while. Committed to giving back to society and following the example of Kilkenny hurling hero Eddie Kehir who established a No Name Club in Kilkenny in the seventies, Paul helped set up Drogheda’s No Name Club under the auspices of Boomerang in 2017. Over many years he was also involved in fund raising efforts such as memorable 24-hour sleep-outs to help Drogheda’s homeless.
As he approaches retirement, Paul says he is looking forward to spending a lot of time with his son, and many friends, indulging his love of sport, travel and reading History. One issue in History he is particularly keen to research is whether De Valera hid in his grandmother’s house in Lismatigue, Carrickshock during the Civil War!!
All in Our Lady’s College will miss Paul, a wonderful friend and colleague. We wish him long life, health, and happiness. Paul wishes to express his gratitude for all of the support, advice and encouragement he has received from principal Geraldine Mulvihill and the entire management team. He wishes all in Greenhills continued success for the future.
In 1986, a first year named Dawn Kennedy was a student in his first ever Irish class. How fitting it is that Dawn’s daughter Seoidín Martin is a first year Maths student in what will be Paul’s final class in Greenhills!
Go n-éirí an bóthar leat Paul agus slán go foill.
Paul Fennelly pictured with mother and daughter Dawn Kennedy and Seoidín Martin first year students in Mr Fennellys first and last class in Greenhills.
