Offaly native at the helm in large Athlone school

In his first appointment as a school principal, Offaly native Stephen Cunningham recently took charge of one of Athlone's largest primary schools.

Mr Cunningham, who hails from Screggan, Tullamore, was appointed to lead Coosan National School at the beginning of September.

He is proud of his Offaly roots and has a passion for sport, having represented his county at underage level in both football and hurling, while also playing Fitzgibbon Cup hurling in NUI Galway and soccer at varsity level in the UK.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent recently, he was enthusiastic about his new position in Athlone.

"I am very fortunate, if I am being honest. Everybody has been very welcoming and supportive. I'm delighted to be here. It's a privilege, really," he said.

Mr Cunningham succeeded Tom Flahive, who had been at the helm in Coosan NS for the previous 23 years and spearheaded the development of its new €7 million building which came into use in 2019.

There are 418 pupils enrolled at the school, and it is currently at capacity, with a waiting list for enrolment.

Mr Cunningham lives in Galway, where he previously worked in Bushypark NS and Renmore Junior School, serving in senior management roles in both schools.

He said becoming a principal had always been one of his ambitions.

"The thing I find most fulfilling in life is helping others to achieve their full potential," he stated.

"The role of a principal helps me in that regard, in terms of helping pupils to achieve their potential and also providing opportunities for teachers to showcase their talents and further develop their competencies as well. I thoroughly enjoy it."

After attending secondary school in Coláiste Choilm, Tullamore, he began his third level education in NUI Galway where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He then went to the University of Plymouth for his teacher training studies before completing his leadership qualifications in NUI Maynooth.

Mr Cunningham is married to Sinéad and the couple have two children, Sadhbh and Eimhin. Outside of school, his life revolves around his young family and maintaining his interest in sport.

"I've retired from competitive sport, but I enjoy watching and playing any bit of sport I can," he said.