It is with great sadness that the St Paul’s community shares the news that Mr Michael Warde, the founding Principal of the school, has died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Mr Warde was just thirty years old when he was appointed the first Principal of St Paul’s in 1966. A native of County Mayo, he gave thirty years of devoted service to the school and to the South Armagh community, pioneering all-ability, inclusive education at a time when that vision was far from common. The ethos he established continues to shape St Paul’s today.

After his retirement he remained a good friend of the school and a frequent and welcome visitor. In 2005 the school Library was rededicated in his name in recognition of his foundational role in the life of St Paul’s.

Sixty years on from the school’s founding, the inclusive spirit Mr Warde set down remains its anchor. Generations of young people have walked the corridors of the school he built, and many in our community will today remember his kindness, his quiet pride, and his belief in the potential of every child who came through our gates.

The thoughts and prayers of the entire St Paul’s community are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.  St Paul, pray for him.