An era ends at Banagher College as principal retires

Warm tributes and well wishes were paid to Paddy Scales in recent weeks after he retired from his role as principal of Banagher College on December 31.

Mr Scales stepped down after a 41-year career in education, the last twelve years of which had been at the helm in the Banagher secondary school.

The school's students and staff marked his departure by making presentations and forming a guard of honour for him just before the Christmas break. Mr Scales also addressed this year's Leaving Cert students and planted a tree in the school's grounds as his time there drew to a close.

Deputy principal Lily Kinahan took over as the acting principal of Banagher College today (Thursday), and the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) said the process of appointing a permanent successor would begin in late Spring.

Mr Scales had been in the role at Banagher College since September 2009. He had previously served as deputy principal in Banagher Vocational School since 1990, having started his career as a Maths and Geography teacher there a decade earlier.

He was a member of the leadership team which oversaw the formation of Banagher College in August 2007, following the amalgamation of La Sainte Union Secondary School and Banagher Vocational School.

In a statement, the LOETB said Mr Scales had overseen the significant growth and development of the school, offering excellent learning experiences for young people in Banagher and the surrounding hinterland.

It said he deserved much credit for providing exceptional levels of academic excellence, care, and support to ensure that the students were always to the fore.

"Paddy has made a significant impact during his time as principal at Banagher College, and has expertly guided the development of the school in partnership with the entire school community," commented Joe Cunningham, the chief executive at LOETB.

"His vision for an innovative, student-centred school with an emphasis on exceptional learning experiences has been firmly established. His commitment has ensured that generations of families in the local area have benefited from his dedication to educational excellence over the lifetime of this considerable career.

"He is leaving a thriving school which continues to be the school of choice at the heart of the local community. I wish Paddy the very best in retirement and good health to enjoy it. No doubt, this decision will give him even more time to dedicate to his beloved St Rynagh's GAA club," he added.

Linda Tynan, Director of Schools at LOETB, also thanked Mr Scales for his significant contribution to the growth and development of the school.

"Paddy has been immersed in the life of the school. He is a dedicated and excellent principal who will be greatly missed by the staff, students and his colleagues at LOETB," she said.

"Paddy has been an exceptional colleague, always generous with his time and humble in sharing his expertise. I am very grateful to him for his dedication to the students and staff at Banagher College.

"This truly is the end of an era and l wish him well as he pursues his many other interests in his retirement."