'An inspirational leader': Beloved Principal to retire from historic Ennis school

St Flannan’s College has announced that Fr Ignatius McCormack will retire from his position as Principal in September 2025, concluding his distinguished 24-year career at one of Ireland’s largest schools.

Fr McCormack, a native of Kilcolman Parish in County Offaly, first joined the staff of St Flannan’s in 2001 as a teacher. He later served as Dean of the Boarding School before being appointed Principal in 2017.

Over the past eight years, he has been a guiding presence in the lives of students, staff and families, overseeing a period of growth, academic achievement and spiritual development at the historic Ennis school. 

Fr McCormack said, “It has been a great privilege to serve as Principal of St Flannan’s College, a place I fell in love with when I first drove through its gates in 2001. I am deeply grateful to the staff, students, parents and Board of Management for their support over the years. As I prepare to step back, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished together.”

Bishop of Killaloe and Patron of St Flannan's College, Fintan Monahan said, “Fr Ignatius has been an inspirational leader and a steady hand at the helm of St Flannan’s College. His leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to the values and mission of Catholic education, fostering a spirit of compassion, integrity and excellence. His impact on the life of the school is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed. After a sabbatical, Fr Ignatius will return to parish ministry.”

The Board of Management of St Flannan’s College extended its sincere thanks to Fr McCormack for his dedicated service and announced that the process to appoint a new Principal will begin in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

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Leonard Cleary, Chairperson of the St Flannan’s College Board of Management, said, “Fr Ignatius McCormack’s tenure has been marked by inspiring leadership, unwavering commitment, and genuine pastoral care. Thanks to his guidance, the school and its students have thrived academically and spiritually. On behalf of the Board of Management, I extend our heartfelt thanks for his exceptional service and wish him every blessing as he embarks on the next chapter of his priestly ministry.

“At this significant juncture for the school community, when a change of leadership is occurring at St Flannan’s College, the Board of Management, Trustees and Patron are very much aware of the importance of taking time for a listening and consultation process with stakeholders. 

“St Flannan’s College is currently undertaking a School Needs Analysis process, which will assist the Board in identifying the future needs of the school and the skills to be recruited in the competition for Principal in due course," he concluded. 

St Flannan’s College, which takes its name from the 7th-century patron saint of the Dál gCais, can trace its origins back to Springfield House in 1846, before it relocated to the current school 30 years later.

Fr. Ignatius McCormack (back row, 3rd from right) with members of the Board of St. Flannan's College in Ennis

The school underwent a significant expansion during the 1960s and again in 2003, with the development of a new wing featuring extensive new facilities. Co-educational classes were introduced in 2002.

Fr McCormack’s retirement in September will coincide with the opening of the first phase of a significant expansion of the historic St Flannan’s College campus. The 2,500 sqm development comprises special educational needs facilities and general educational spaces, including classrooms, science rooms, and a construction studies room.

The expansion is supported by the Department of Education and is regarded as a prototype rapid build project, which could be replicated elsewhere throughout Ireland.