‘I enjoy the uniqueness of it and it is the people I will miss most’

Hailing from Enfield, County Meath, Mary Doherty moved to Donegal in October 1991. 

Having studied education at St Patrick’s College in Maynooth, the French and English teacher subsequently gained experience in Dublin. Around then, Mary got a call from another teacher - Daniel Doherty - to say there was a post on Arranmore Island. 

Having taken the plunge, Mary initially lived on Arranmore and got to know the local community. The following year, she moved back to the mainland and settled in Dungloe. 

“It was a great experience, the community was so warm and welcoming and I really enjoyed it,” Mary tells DonegalLive of moving to Arranmore. “The island is spectacular, the people are so warm and welcoming and it is beautiful no matter what the weather. Eventually, over time, I bought a house in Dungloe.”

Moving from Meath to rural Donegal was one thing. Then there was the daily trip to and from work by boat - a journey few teachers take, although Mary was more than comfortable with the commute.

“I enjoy the boat, both ferry services on the island are excellent and you feel very safe,” she says. “I have no problems. I suppose for some it can be scary but I got used to it. It just becomes your mode of transport. 

“When the weather is bad the ferry companies would ring as early as possible and I let everybody know the ferry cannot go, that it is not safe to travel, and it all works well.”

Established in 1990, Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada,  a Donegal ETB school, was to provide young people - particularly those from the island - with the opportunity to complete their second-level education while remaining close to home. 

Beforehand, daytrippers attended Rosses Community School in Dungloe, whilst many others boarded the ferry and boarded at schools further afield, and spent weeks, months and years away from their families.

Two ferry services operate from Burtonport to Arranmore - the red and the blue - throughout the day. 

Mary, now 58, started as a secondary school teacher and advanced to become the principal at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada in 2010, leading a staff team of 20 and a population of 100 students. She continued to teach subjects part-time.

In a twist of fate, Daniel, who initially alerted Mary to the job opening, ended up being the man she married. The couple went on to have three children who all enrolled at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada. 

Their eldest son Daniel is currently completing a master's degree in computer science at Trinity College Dublin. Daughter Sophie - who completed her secondary education in Irish -  will soon enter her final year at Trinity studying law and French and youngest son Aidan is currently completing his Leaving Certificate. 

Mary is due to retire at the end of the school year and in reflecting says, “My favourite part has always been the people, by that I mean, the students, parents and local community,” Mary says. “That’s the big one, I also loved the fact every day is different. My least favourite part is just balancing the responsibilities. But I enjoy the uniqueness of it and it is the people I will miss most.”

The school's deputy principal, Mary’s husband Daniel, and woodwork teacher Fred Gallagher are also retiring. The trio will officially retire at the end of August.

Derval Newmann from Clondalkin, in south Dublin, will take over as the principal at the beginning of the academic year in September.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed to the position of Principal of Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the great work of outgoing Principal Mary Doherty in providing accessible and inclusive learning opportunities that empower our students to succeed.”

Upon retirement, Mary intends to relax and embrace life after a busy career and clock up some air miles and, who knows, maybe even a few boat trips. 

“Thanks to Donegal ETB for the support, advice and guidance they have given to me over the years,” Mary concludes. “It has been helpful and appreciated.”