JUNIOR infants at Scoil Mhuire Murroe were dancing a jig heading into their first day of school as they got to meet their new principal, Anthony Sharkey. The Ennis man is a double World Champion Irish dancer and was the leading male dancer in Riverdance for six years, touring America and spending 18 months on Broadway. He succeeds Marie Griffin who has been at the helm as principal in Murroe for the past 24 years, retiring in June. Mr Sharkey has 16 years of teaching experience under his belt. The Mary Immaculate College graduate furthered his education with a Masters in Education and an Advanced Diploma in Law and Education from Kings’ Inn, Dublin. Throughout his career, he has held various roles in schools across Co Clare, with his most recent position being the deputy principal at St Senan’s Primary School in Kilrush. Outside of the classroom, Mr Sharkey is passionate about sports, the arts, and, of course, Irish dancing. He said he is “dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every child, parent, teacher, and community member feels valued, respected, and empowered”. “I aim to nurture curiosity, celebrate diversity, and prepare students for the digital age, fostering an atmosphere of empathy, kindness, and understanding,” said Mr Sharkey, whose vision is to build a legacy of excellence, compassion, and innovation at Scoil Mhuire Murroe. READ MORE: Green Limerick: Active Travel work ready for the new school term He has also contributed significantly to the Professional Development Services for Teachers ( PDST), where he spent over five years implementing the new Primary Language Curriculum. He works part-time as an Oide advisor, supporting school leadership and management teams. For more pictures, click 'Next'
PICTURES: Ex-Riverdance lead is Limerick school’s new principal
