Carndonagh principal shares reflections after winning Teacher of the Year title

Carndonagh principal Gerard O’Kane has taken the title of Teacher of the Year. Gerard has been described as ‘pure class’, ‘a legend’ and ‘the best there is’ in the national competition.

Gerard O’Kane from Craigtown National School in Inishowen has received the title of Teacher of the Year, Ireland, in his 48th and final year of teaching.

Teacher of the Year is a national competition led by Miconex, founders of the Town and City Gift Card concept active across Ireland, and sponsored by GiftRound. Gerard was awarded the Teacher of the Year title after receiving the most votes in the competition, which closed on the 31st August.

There were 56 children in the school when Gerard first took the helm at Craigtown National School as principal in 1982. The small school had grown to over 170 children on roll when Gerard retired in June 2024.

Gerard O'Kane with pupils from Craigtowns national school and the winning prize

On winning the prestigious Teacher of the Year title, Gerard shared some recollections on his 48 year career, including advice for young teachers:

“I’d always had an interest in teaching which probably went back to my own school days when we’d be sent to look after the small kids,” said Gerard.

“I went into teaching in 1973, training for three years in Manchester. As a Liverpool supporter, being in Manchester was interesting but I really enjoyed it, playing football at the weekends and doing a bit of studying in between. I qualified in 1976 and got my first teaching job in Castlefinn where I spent 3 years. Then I was at a school in Tir Na Sligo until 1982 when I applied for the Principalship in Craigtown.

“In those days when you qualified as a teacher you were shown into your classroom and away you’d go. There wasn’t as much emphasis on the paperwork that teachers have today. I always say to new teachers, ‘you have your own school in your own classroom’ and it’s for you to run your ‘school’ as you see fit, up to a point of course.

“My advice for new teachers is to take it easy and build up a good rapport with their pupils, colleagues and parents. Of course be prepared but also be prepared to ‘switch horses’ if your lesson isn’t going to plan. 

“It’s natural as a teacher to try and get ahead of yourself and get into the habit of taking work home or worries about the day, but I encourage teachers to take time for themselves. There will be time enough to catch up the next day.

“As for parents and children, it used to be that children came to school, got their education and went home. Now there is more parental involvement. It’s like a triangle with the teacher, the parent and the child and it’s important to keep that triangle together. 

Gerard celebrated his 48 years of teaching with an end of year mass, attended by pupils and parents past and present, saying: “It was an unbelievable moment, seeing everyone together and having a cup of tea. I feel humbled to have been voted Teacher of the Year in Ireland. I’d like to thank everyone that voted for me. It means the world.”

Tributes have poured in for Gerard in the national competition from parents, pupils, colleagues and the community:

“He has the patience of a saint and is great craic,” said one person. “Such a kind man loved by both young and old. He always goes above and beyond for his students,” said another nomination. 

Gerard’s nomination for Teacher of the Year also sparked fond memories from past pupils: “Master O'Kane taught my aunties and uncle, cousin, brother and daughter and he is an unreal teacher. Still has such an interest in his past students years after they leave his school. He is genuinely the best there is.”

Gerard wins a €500 Carndonagh Gift Card and Craigtown National School wins a €500 Carndonagh Gift Card. 

Carndonagh resident Anita McCarron is the one person who nominated Gerard who receives a €250 Carndonagh Gift Card. Anita said: “Gerard has been dedicated to Craigtown National School for many years and it’s fantastic that his wonderful leadership and commitment to the school community has been celebrated, by Gerard winning Teacher of the Year. 

Tina O'Donnell, chairperson of the Carndonagh Traders’ Association, said: “We’re thrilled to see Gerard take the crown as the Teacher of the Year for our little town in Ireland. Gerard has done so much for the community and you only have to read the comments from parents and pupils past and present to see that.”

Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex and said: “Gerard’s win as Teacher of the Year is well deserved for the difference he has made to countless people’s lives over his 48 year career.”