First woman appointed principal of St Columb's College

In a historic first, Derry’s St Columb’s College Board of Governors has announced Mrs Caroline McLaughlin as the newly appointed principal of the school.

Mrs McLaughlin is the first woman to lead the boys’ grammar school in its 144 year history. She will take up her post on January 1, 2024, succeeding current principal, Mr Finbar J Madden.

Currently a History teacher at St Columb’s College, Mrs McLaughlin has received congratulations on her appointment from many quarters, including current Foyle MLAs and past St Columb’s pupils, Mark H Durkan (SDLP) and Pádraig Delargy (Sinn Féin).

Mrs McLaughlin is only the third lay principal of St Columb’s College. The first being Mr Sean McGinty who succeeded Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin in 2008. 

St Columb’s College has two Nobel laureates among its alumni: Seamus Heaney (Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995) and John Hume (Nobel Peace Prize in 1998).

Other notable pupils of St Columb’s College include Bishop Edward Daly, Seamus Deane and Brian Friel, as well as, Martin O’Neill (Republic of Ireland football manager), Phil Coulter (composer) and James Sharkey (diplomat).

Congratulating Mrs McLaughlin on her new appointment, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "I’d like to offer warm congratulations to Caroline McLaughlin on her appointment as the new principal of St Columb’s College. It’s incredibly significant that she is the first woman to serve as principal of this proud Derry institution and it signifies the journey the college has been on in the past number of years, working to modernise and provide the best experience possible to its students.

"Mrs McLaughlin will take over from outgoing principal Finbar Madden who has done sterling work at the college for over a decade. I’d think to thank him for his efforts and pay tribute to all he has given to the role. He departs as principal with the college experiencing sustained success and I’m sure he will remain part of the wider-college family going forward.

"As a former college boy I understand the importance of Mrs McLaughlin’s appointment and look forward to working with her going forward to support her in the new role and ensure the continued prosperity of this great school which remains a focal part of life in our city for many families."