We were honoured, on Friday 9 May 2025, to welcome Micheál Smith, Consul General of Ireland in San Francisco, back to St Paul’s High School — his former school and alma mater.

Consul General Smith is a proud past pupil of St Paul’s, and during his visit, he extended an exciting invitation to our school: to become the first in Northern Ireland to participate in the Global Ireland Schools programme.

Launched in 2018 by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Global Ireland Schools initiative sees Ireland’s Heads of Mission from across the world return home to engage with pupils across the country. This year, it coincides with the Global Ireland Conference taking place in Dublin from 6 May. The programme gives pupils the opportunity to meet diplomats, learn about Ireland’s role on the world stage, and explore the pathways to a career in international relations and diplomacy.

More than 200 schools have already taken part in this unique programme — and now, thanks to the connection with our distinguished past pupil, St Paul’s is proud to be leading the way for schools in the North.

Consul General Smith spent the morning with a cross-section of our pupils, including representatives from the Student Council and pupils from every year group. All of them shared an interest in global affairs and had plenty of thoughtful questions for our guest.

Pupils described how inspiring it was to meet someone who once sat in a classroom here in Bessbrook and has gone on to represent Ireland on the international stage. They were encouraged by his journey — one that started at St Paul’s — and motivated by his words about perseverance, public service, and pride in one’s community.

We were delighted to welcome Consul General Micheál Smith back to St Paul’s and to play host to the Global Ireland Schools programme as it made its first visit to Northern Ireland. We look forward to building on this important connection and continuing to inspire the global citizens of tomorrow.