FORMER Clare football captain, Gary Brennan has been appointed as the third deputy principal of St Flannan’s College.
Brennan now joins the senior leadership team alongside recently appointed principal Donal Cahir plus fellow deputy principals Gráinne Lynch and Michael Donnellan.
A graduate of the University of Limerick, Brennan began teaching in St Flannan’s in 2010 and has taught Physical Education, Gaeilge and SPHE.
Over 16 years he has taken on a wide range of roles in school life and has recently served as Year Head, supporting students in their academic work and personal development.
Well-known in sporting circles, Mr. Brennan played inter‑county football from 2007 to 2020, earned an All-Star nomination in 2016 and represented Ireland in the International Rules Series in 2015 and 2017. At club level, he has represented Ballyea in hurling and Clondegad in football, winning four Clare SHC titles with Ballyea and a Munster club title. Now living in Limerick, Gary is married to Niamh Mulcahy who was one of Limerick’s greatest ever camogie players.
Speaking about his new role, Gary stated, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Deputy Principal at St. Flannan’s College, a school that has meant so much to me both professionally and personally over the past 16 years. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to support our students as they grow in confidence, character and ambition. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and strong community spirit that defines St. Flannan’s”.
Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese and Patron of St. Flannan’s College, Bishop Fintan Monahan, welcomed the appointment. “Gary brings leadership, integrity and a deep understanding of young people to this important role. His commitment to education and to the holistic development of students reflects the ethos of St. Flannan’s College, and I wish him every blessing as he begins this new chapter”.
Chair of the Board of Management, Leonard Cleary, said, “On behalf of the entire school community, including the Patron, the Diocese of Killaloe, our Trustees, parents, teachers and students, I want to congratulate Gary on his appointment and wish him every success and fulfilment in his new leadership role in a faith school. He has demonstrated a huge commitment to the values and ethos of our school, and we are confident that he will make an outstanding contribution to the continued growth and development of the school in the years ahead”.
Principal Donal Cahir, who was appointed in December 2025, added, “The entire school community congratulates Gary on his appointment and wishes him every success and fulfilment in his new role. His experience, leadership and dedication to our students will greatly strengthen our senior leadership team as we continue to build on the proud tradition of St. Flannan’s College”.
Mr Brennan’s appointment comes as the school moves into a key stage of its development. The first phase of a major expansion of the historic campus began in September. When finished, the 2,500 sq m project will provide new facilities for students in our special classes along with additional classrooms, science rooms and a technology room. The work is supported by the Department of Education and Youth and is viewed as a prototype rapid build project that could be repeated elsewhere in Ireland.
