"His wisdom, kindness and dedication left a lasting impact" - Tributes to outgoing Kildare principal

Kildare All Star and St Patrick’s Boys National School principal, Peter Kelly has retired from his post to embark on a new chapter in his career.

His colleagues, parents and the wider community of Rathangan have paid tribute to him following his departure.

“The Board of Management, management, staff, parents association, pupils and local community wish to express our sincere gratitude to Mr Peter Kelly for his dedication, commitment and hard work over the last 10 years whilst holding the positions of teacher, Deputy Principal and Principal at St. Patricks Boy’s National School, Rathangan, Co Kildare,” said the board.

“As a principal he was fair, supportive and always willing to listen. He cared deeply about the pupils and had a remarkable sense of empathy, treating everyone with dignity and respect. His love for the school and wider community was evident in everything he did and he believed strongly in the values of cooperation, respect, helping staff, pupils parents and members of the community alike.

“His wisdom, kindness and dedication left a lasting impact on the pupils and on those fortunate enough to have worked alongside him.

“Peter has a very strong knowledge and indeed skill when it comes to football and earned himself an All Star for Kildare Senior Men’s team in 2010. During his time with the school he successfully co-trained the U12’s to a historic Division 1 title win over Clane, which led to great celebration both within the school and indeed the wider community. He was also involved in overseeing the fundraising and development of a state-of the-art astro turf pitch at the school, which was a massive hit with the boys and indeed the parents ‘no more having to was trousers every day of the week’.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks his wife Andrea and two beautiful girls Kadhla and Sadhbh and extended family with whose support made it possible for him to fulfill his role. We would like to wish Peter and his family all the very best in his future endeavours as Peter moves on to his next chapter.”

Yvonne McConnon added; “As Chairperson the BOM I wish to thank Peter sincerely. Your leadership has truly help shape this school into what it is today. Your vision, passion and unwavering commitment has been an inspiration to us all. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you good health, happiness and every success in the future.”

Incoming principal, Sabrina Fullam said; "Thank you so much to Peter for his generosity of time and guidance during the past few months in a very smooth handover. I wish him the very best as he embarks on his own exciting new chapter in life. May it be filled with great success, happiness and well-deserved fulfillment."

St Patrick’s Boys National School has over 320 students and 13 mainstream classes and one ASD class. The current school building was officially opened in June 2017 and the astro pitch was opened in October 2022.

In September 2025, the school secured planning permission for the construction of a two storey Special Education Needs (SEN) extension with a floor area of 934sq.m. This development comprises two classes with safe space, store, WCs and changing places, central activities space, offfice and boiler room. The first floor extension comprises of four classrooms with ensuite WCs, resource room and store. The plans also include the removal of the existing prefab, to be replaced with a new tarmacadem play area, the demolition of the existing changing rooms, a new enclosed sensory garden and SEN play area, and four additional car parking spaces. New changing rooms will also be constructed.