*James O’Shaughnessy.
LIMERICK MAN, James O’Shaughnessy has been appointed as the new Principal of Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir.
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board announced the appointment of O’Shaugnessy as the successor to Brian O’Donoghue who takes on the role as Principal of Castletroy College.
James moves to the post from Coláiste Chiaráin in Co Limerick where he started his teaching career in 2007 and in 2018 was appointed Deputy Principal at the school where he played a key role in the leadership team there during the school’s move to a €20 million state-of-the-art new campus.
A graduate of the University of Limerick, James holds a Bachelor of Science degree with concurrent Education in Physics and Chemistry. He furthered his education at NUI Maynooth, where he completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Leadership and Management in 2018. He has lived in Castletroy for the last fifteen years.
Speaking about his appointment, he said, “I’m honoured to take on the role of Principal at Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir and I am delighted to continue my leadership journey within the ETB. I am dedicated to enhancing the schools’ reputation as thriving educational hubs for the community of Ennis and its surrounding area. I will focus on enriching the impressive academic programmes, extracurricular activities, and community engagement to ensure that every student can succeed and flourish. My goal always is to create an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic environment where students can develop both academically and personally”.
Passionate about promoting the Irish language and culture, James included a paragraph as Gaeilge in his first correspondence to staff in the past week. He said, “I believe that expanding our Irish language programmes will deepen the educational experience for our students, fostering a stronger connection to our heritage”.
He has served as Secretary of Region 6 (Limerick/Clare/Kerry) for the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and has been a mentor since 2022 for newly-appointed deputy principals in the region. “Together with our talented staff, engaged parents, and supportive community, I am confident that we can achieve great things for both Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir. I look forward to this exciting new chapter and to working with everyone to build a bright future for our students”.
A past pupil of St Munchin’s College, he was a student there when his predecessor O’Donoghue began his teaching career at the Limerick secondary school.
Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, George O’Callaghan offered his congratulations to James. “The ETB is very proud of the excellent education available in the multi-million euro campus, and we are looking forward to welcoming James to this role. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank former Principal Brian O’Donoghue who led the schools with great enthusiasm”.
