This article is from page 16 of the 2013-04-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
WEST Clare school principal Sean McMahon was officially declared the new vice president of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation at the union’s congress in Cork on Wednesday.
The principal of Mullagh National School is now the most likely contender for president of the union next year, as traditionally the vice president takes over at the helm when the president stands down.
Like the previous Clare man to hold the post, Declan Kelleher from Corofin, Sean has a strong North Clare roots and has spent most of his teaching career in the west of the county.
As a child he attended primary school in Coore National School and completed his secondary education in the CBS Ennistymon. He then attended Mary Immaculate College of Education in Limerick, graduating in 1979.
Seán has worked in a number of different roles as a primary teacher. His teaching career began in 1979 in Rathdowney Boys’ National School, Co Laois, teaching fifth class boys. In 1980 he was appointed to Annagh National School, Miltown Malbay, teaching third to sixth class, in what was then a two-teacher school.
This marked the beginning of years of campaigning for increased understanding of and support for the critical contribution small rural schools make to their communities and to Irish education.
In tandem with his teaching career, Seán attended University College Galway for three years and graduated with a master’s degree in Rural and Community Development in 1989.
“Implications of School Consolidation and Amalgamation for Rural Communities” was the title of his thesis – a paper that is likely to prove invaluable during two years at the forefront of the INTO.
In 1990 Seán was appointed teaching principal of Mullagh National School.
He continues to teach there in a multi-class environment.
Seán completed a H. Dip. in Education – School Planning in NUIG in 2004 – and worked as a part-time school developing planning tutor for a number of years.
Education plays a large part in Sean’s life and that of his family.
He is married to Gerardine, who is also a primary teacher, and they have five children all of whom are currently in full-time education.
Mr McMahon also has a long history working within the INTO, having been involved in the union since the 1980s. Initially, he was involved at school level as staff representative.
He has represented District 11; Clare, Tipperary and Waterford, on the CEC since 2007 serving 17 INTO branches from “Loop Head to Hook Head”.
Seán previously represented District 11 on the Principals’ and Deputy Principals’ Committee. He has also served as secretary and chairperson to the West Clare INTO Branch and has been an active member of District 11 Committee since 1996.