Athlone native is new Dean Kelly NS principal in school’s 100th year

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone native Bríd McCoy is the new principal of Dean Kelly NS, as the school prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Sitting down in the front office of the school on a cool August afternoon, Bríd's eagerness for her new role was evident from the outset.

Sharing what propelled her towards primary school teaching, Brid had a simple answer: “It was always in me”.

“I've always been interested – I was inspired by many of my own teachers, and their kind attitude towards me. That stood out more than anything,” she said.

“I also had an aunt who was a primary school teacher, and I loved listening to all of her stories, and she really inspired me, too, to become a teacher.”

Bríd has always had an interest in learning and education, having obtained a Bachelor of Arts in German and History in NUIG, and a HDIP in Secondary Education, before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in Marino College in Dublin.

“I qualified in June 2001. I did my first interview [with Dean Kelly NS] in July – and I've been here ever since. So I'm here 23 years this year,” she said.

Having taught in the school for more than two decades, Bríd is now ready to lead her staff into a new chapter, and what better year to do it than the centenary of the school's opening.

“In 2025, the school will have been here for 100 years, so I will be heavily involved in planning a celebration of that. I'll be reaching out to past pupils, former teachers, and principals, and I'm looking forward to organising a huge celebration.”

Bríd had previously been Deputy Principal of Dean Kelly NS for a number of years. In becoming principal, she is succeeding Laura Casey who will be remaining in the school as a teacher.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent about her appointment as the school's leader, Bríd said: “I'm looking forward to it. I'm ready to get started now.

“It's something I've had in the back of my mind. It's been an ambition of mine to lead the school.

“I suppose during Covid it really came to the forefront, because I was acting deputy principal at the time - I could see that I was a leader to my staff, so that inspired me to continue on that road.

“It's great to have [her predecessor] Laura Casey on board in the staff. She has been so supportive to me since I have taken on the role. It's a bonus to have her skill and her knowledge. We have a very close relationship, and I'm blessed to have that support.”

Having worked in the Dean Kelly throughout her career, Bríd knows the school like the back of her hand.

“I'm not finding it half as daunting as other new principals in that I know all the staff, I know all of the pupils, I know most of the parents – so I have great knowledge, and I think knowledge is key,” she said.

Whilst she is now moving into a new role, she says the togetherness of the teachers and students is what makes the Dean Kelly stand out.

“I've seen an awful lot in my time here – I've worked in all classes. The boys just make the school, they're amazing. They have such energy – they're empathetic towards each other, and they look after each other in this school.

“The boys here just get involved in everything. In this school we have so many different teams – we have the Green Team, we have the Active School team, we have the School Crew team, and the polytunnel team. They just want to be on those teams and say 'can we take part?'”

When asked what her mission is as she takes on her new role, Bríd said she just wants to keep things going in the same positive light that they already are.

She said: “We have a wonderful school here - we've created a safe haven for the children. The boys who come in here love coming into school. There is so much hands on learning being done.”

Bríd also credits the school's parents, who play an active role in their children's education.

She said: “The parents in this community are very, very supportive. They get very involved in the education of their child, and they want to see their children doing well. They are coming more to the fore – and we're hoping to maybe set up a parents association in the coming year.”

The Ballymahon Road, Athlone, native is one of eight children born to her parents, Bridget and Sean McCoy.

Outside of school, Bríd said she is an avid reader and a lover of Gaelic games. “I think it's very important, especially in a job like this, to switch your mind off, and take a break away from technology and all that. I love to lose myself in a book and take time to escape.

“I would've been involved in Athlone GAA – I love the football and I still would have a huge interest in the Gaelic in particular.”

Bríd's love of the GAA stemmed from her father Sean, who was heavily involved in Athlone GAA for many years, serving in various roles including finances, Oifig na nGaeilge, and in later years was a trustee of the club.

Bríd added that she would like to take this opportunity to thank her family, her partner Damien and all her friends who have given her great support. She would also like to extend a special thanks to her daughter, Kayleigh.

She said: “We're very close, and we spend a lot of time together. She has been a huge part of my life in inspiring me to follow my dreams and ambitions – just as I do with her.”