Carrick-on-Shannon man appointed Principal of Ballymahon Vocational School

Longford-Westmeath ETB has announced the appointment of Mr. Michael O’Rourke as Principal of Ballymahon Vocational School in a permanent capacity.

Mr. O'Rourke has been working with and leading the school in an acting capacity since March 2021. He will become the 9th Principal to Ballymahon Vocational School since its establishment in the 1940’s.

Originally from Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim, Mr O'Rourke began teaching in 2001 following graduation from the University of Limerick.

As a teacher of Design & Communication Graphics, Construction Studies and Woodwork, Mr. O'Rourke also worked with the State Examinations Commission on both practical and theory examinations at Junior and Senior Cycle over many years. Mr. O'Rourke was appointed to the position of Deputy Principal of Templemichael College, Longford Town in 2013. 

Ballymahon Vocational School is one of eight secondary schools managed by Longford-Westmeath ETB. It has a school population 420 students. There are over 50 staff members including Teachers, SNAs, Secretary and Ancillary staff.

Speaking of this appointment today Mr. O'Rourke noted, "It is truly an honour to receive news of this appointment to the school in a permanent capacity. I look forward to continuing to work with and lead the management, staff and students here in Ballymahon Vocational School.

"In my time here I have found the town and community to be very welcoming and proud of their Vocational School. The good will expressed and received at every opportunity for the school coupled with the support for our many activities is very strong.

"I look forward to building on these strong links and building more partnerships locally to enhance our presence in the community.  It is of paramount importance to me in the role of Principal that we continue to support all our students in achieving to the best of their ability in Ballymahon Vocational School, and that we prepare our students effectively for their life after post-primary education.

"This school is the very rock that our students start building their futures on or as Seamus Heaney puts it 'Believe, that a further shore is reachable from here'. We aim to give each individual in our care the best of opportunities and prepare them for life outside of BVS."

In congratulating Mr. O’ Rourke, on his appointment, the management team in place at BVS said, "Ballymahon Vocational School has grown and developed into an excellent school with a quality teaching and learning curriculum being delivered everyday.

"We join with the entire school community in wishing him well in his role and we are confident that the ongoing development of the school will continue. We very much look forward to supporting him in his new role.

"The entire school community of students, staff, parents, and Board members, welcome Mr. O’Rourke’s full appointment, offering stability and consistency to Ballymahon Vocational School.

"The school community wish him success in his new role and we are confident that he will not only steer Ballymahon Vocational School with great skill and enthusiasm but his achievement in taking on the leadership role at one of the established secondary schools in Co Longford should motivate all of the pupils under his care to strive to reach the top in whatever career path they undertake.

"Mr O’Rourke takes up the role of Principal of Ballymahon Vocational School with immediate effect and we wish him many happy and productive years in his leadership role at Ballymahon Vocational School as it continues its mission of service to our young people."