Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has announced the appointment of James O’Shaughnessy as the new principal of Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir. James is a highly experienced educator who has worked for over 17 years with the ETB, demonstrating a strong commitment to education and leadership. He began his teaching career in 2007 at Coláiste Chiaráin in County Limerick and in 2018 was appointed Deputy Principal at the school. He played a key role in the leadership team there during the school’s move to a €20 million state-of-the-art new campus.
Commenting on the news, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, George O’Callaghan, said: “I would like to congratulate James on his appointment as Principal of Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir. The ETB is very proud of the excellent education available in the multi-million euro campus, and we are looking forward to welcoming James to this role. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank former Principal Brian O’Donoghue who led the schools with great enthusiasm and who is moving to take up the position of Principal in Castletroy College, Limerick from September 1st.”
James O’Shaughnessy the new principal of Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir.
A graduate of the University of Limerick, James holds a Bachelor of Science degree with concurrent Education in Physics and Chemistry. He furthered his education at NUI Maynooth, where he completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Leadership and Management in 2018.
Speaking about his appointment, he said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Principal at Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir and I am delighted to continue my leadership journey within the ETB. I am dedicated to enhancing the schools’ reputation as thriving educational hubs for the community of Ennis and its surrounding area. I will focus on enriching the impressive academic programmes, extracurricular activities, and community engagement to ensure that every student can succeed and flourish. My goal always is to create an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic environment where students can develop both academically and personally.” James is passionate about promoting the Irish language and culture. “I believe that expanding our Irish language programmes will deepen the educational experience for our students, fostering a stronger connection to our heritage,” he explained.
James has served as Secretary of Region 6 (Limerick/Clare/Kerry) for the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and has been a mentor since 2022 for newly-appointed deputy principals in the region.
He is looking forward to taking up the new role in September and believes collaboration will be key in the months and years ahead: “Together with our talented staff, engaged parents, and supportive community, I am confident that we can achieve great things for both Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir. I look forward to this exciting new chapter and to working with everyone to build a bright future for our students.”
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