Congratulations to James Delaney who has taken over as the new Deputy Principal in the Patrician Academy. Originally from Macroom, James comes from a dairy and beef farming background. He holds a Degree in Law and French and was training to be a solicitor in A&L Goodbody in Dublin, but after passing his Blackhall exams he changed career path and veered down the teaching route, completing his PGDE (French and Business) in UCC, and an M.Ed. in Leadership and Management in Trinity College Dublin. To perfect his legal knowledge and French, he worked with Mr Brian Crowley MEP in the European Parliament, Brussels and Strasbourg in 2006/2007. James has taught French and Business in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis, for the last 9 years, and Ardscoil Rís, Limerick and Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig prior to that. He has worked as a State Oral Examiner and Corrector for several years and examined the LC French Orals in the Academy in 2019. He even did a few weeks subbing in the Academy back in 2008!
He was on the Board of Management in St. Flannan’s College, led several committees including the SSE Teaching and Learning Committee, Dean of Discipline, Policy Committee and was heavily involved in fundraising and PR at the school. When asked about some of his highlights over the last 10 years, he mentions how his love of extra-curricular activities has given him a huge level of job satisfaction, allowing his students to excel and flourish outside of the classroom. He led the St. Flannan’s Concern debating team to two All-Ireland Debating Finals in a row, was part of the coaching team that won the Munster A senior camogie title, coached the TY Drama team with Ardscoil Rís to All-Ireland victory, and particularly enjoyed watching St. Flannan’s College win the Harty Cup, incidentally in Mallow in 2020!
Speaking of his recent appointment, James is hugely optimistic about the future: “It is an absolute pleasure to accept the role of Deputy Principal in such an outstanding school, full of traditions and Catholic values. I look forward to working in a school that excels in teaching and learning, places huge emphasis on academic results and pushes every student to achieve their individual best. The extra-curricular activities and the whole-school ethos centres on respect and a student-oriented decision-making process. Finally, I am very thankful to Ms Elaine O’Regan, Principal, and the Board of Management for giving me the opportunity to work in such a phenomenal school – the support and encouragement that I have received since starting the role has been second to none. I am also deeply overwhelmed with the very warm welcome that I have received from both students and staff alike – not to mention the unbelievable support from Con and Mairéad in the office!”
We all wish James the very best in his new role in the Academy – Go n-eirí an t-ádh leat!