Principal becomes musical president

AFTER 46 years as both a student and a teacher at St Mary’s Girls’ Secondary School in Baldoyle, including the last 10 years as principal, Siobhan O’Connell is retiring during the Halloween mid-term break.

Baldoyle Musical Society has marked the retirement by inviting her to be their Honorary President for the current theatrical year. 

“Once we heard that Siobhan planned to retire it was a no-brainer to invite her to be our President,” said Richie Smith, Chairman.

“It was a unanimous decision by the committee and a very popular one with our members, many of whom are past pupils.”

Baldoyle Musical Society has been a tenant of the landmark Baldoyle school for over 40 years where they perform their annual pantomimes and spring musicals in the auditorium. 

Originally it was the nuns of the Sisters of Charity who managed the school and when Sr Elizabeth handed over control to a Board of Management, it was to Siobhan that they turned when looking for their first lay-principal.  

“The society has always had a fantastic relationship with the school authorities and we were fortunate enough to have a seamless transition when Siobhan became principal in 1995,” added Richie.

“As a past pupil, teacher and local resident Siobhan had a great appreciation for the special relationship St Mary’s has with us, and she has been a wonderful ‘landlady’.”

Speaking about her retirement, Siobhan was philosophical: “It’s a bittersweet moment,” she said. “I will miss the school and all the wonderful students, teachers and staff who have passed through its doors but of course I am looking forward to my retirement and taking up new interests.”

 On the subject of her Presidency Siobhan was unequivocal: “I was surprised to be invited but delighted to accept. The society and St Mary’s have enjoyed such a long and successful relationship for the benefit of the community.

“We have always seen the school as being at the heart of the community. I thank them for the honour of the position.”

The musical society has already started rehearsals for their 2016 Pantomime ‘Frozen Solid’, which tells a tale of revenge of the Ice Queen. Then they will begin rehearsing for their April production of the musical version of ‘The Witches of Eastwick’.

Details can be found on www.baldoylemusicalsociety.ie