New principal takes up post at St Joseph's Mercy School

St Joseph's Mercy Secondary School in Navan has appointed Ms Mary Mulligan as its new principal. Ms Mulligan took over from Mr Vincent Donovan, who retired on 1st September. Ms Mulligan was appointed to the role after eight years as deputy principal, prior to which she was assitant principal in Ashbourne Community School and also a teacher of English and geography. "We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is centered on teaching and learning," said Ms Mulligan following her appointment. "Our school community is built on the principles of respect and care. St Joseph's has an excellent, dedicated, committed and hard-working staff. "We have high standards of behaviour. We have a happy school where our students feel safe, valued and respected. Our students perform excellently in state examinations. As we move forward, we have a very solid base on which to build and develop," she added. The new principal began her teaching career with Drogheda VEC, where she worked in St Laurence's Community College - now Drogheda College of Further Education - for 12 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Higher Diploma in Education from UCD, as well as a Masters in Education Management. Her mother, Angela Barry, attended St Joseph's in the late 1940s and her grandparents lived at Kilcarn Bridge, Navan. Her father, Thomas Barry, also has links with Navan through his involvement for many years with the former Navan Greyhound Track. Ms Mulligan said she is looking forward to her new role and feels "privileged and honoured" to have been appointed. She also welcomed her new deputy principal, Ms Rita Meagher, who was previously deputy principal in Ardscoil La Salle, Raheny, Dublin.