Mike O’Hara’s 13 years as principal of Scoil Pól in Kilfinane, County Limerick was very lucky for the parish and school community. The Clare man oversaw a fourfold increase in pupils, school extensions and All-Ireland success to name but three achievements under his leadership. English teacher Mchael Organ penned a piece on behalf of acting principal Eoin Walsh, all the staff and students and school community. He said this month marked the end of a thirteen and a half year era, as Mr O’Hara officially retired as principal of Scoil Pól. “The outpouring of goodwill and appreciation, coupled with the tinge of sadness amongst the Scoil Pol community upon hearing of his retirement, is a testament to the high esteem in which Mike is held. Regardless of what metric is used to assess his performance as leader of Scoil Pol, the conclusion is one of incredible success,” said Mr Organ. Upon taking the position in September of 2011, Mr O’Hara was quick to state that Scoil Pol was a “hidden gem” and the greatest secret in the Ballyhouras. “It was a secret that he was unwilling to keep. With that, Mike embarked on a mission to ensure that all that would listen would hear of the very best of what Scoil Pol had to offer. What followed was thirteen and a half years of remarkable change in the Scoil Pol community. Today, Scoil Pol is regarded as one of the best schools in Limerick and beyond, a status that is in no small part due to Mike O’Hara.” READ ALSO: ALERT: Clare investigate alleged fraud as man selling online goods is conned by 'buyer' Positivity and proactivity are two attributes that accompany Mr O’Hara everywhere he goes. “Upon hearing of students who wished to attend the school, but were having logistical issues around transport, Mike began purchasing what has now become a fleet of buses carrying students to and from Scoil Pol.” As student numbers grew, 2016 saw Mr O’Hara initiate and oversee the first of two major extensions that has seen the footprint of the school nearly
Outpouring of goodwill and appreciation for Clare man as he departs Limerick school
