The senior students, governors, teaching staff past and present, representatives of CCMS, principals of feeder primary schools, and partner post-primary schools gathered at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cloughreagh on Thursday 19 December 2013, to celebrate Mass in honour of Mr Oliver Mooney, who retired as Principal of St Paul’s High School at the end of the year.

Chief concelebrant was School Chaplain, Father Dermot Maloney, who was joined on the altar by Father Larkin, Vice-chair of Governors, and local parish priests, Father Naughton, Father McKenna, Father Clyne, and representing the Archbishop of Armagh, Father Rory Coyle.

Mr Mooney was joined by his wife Anne and his family, as well as former Principals of St Paul’s, Mr Michael Warde and Mr Francis Duffy.

New Principal, Mr Jarlath Burns spoke at the end of the liturgy, paying tribute to Mr Mooney’s tenure as Principal, and wishing him every good luck on behalf of the entire student and staff population.

At a function to mark the retirement in the Canal Court Hotel, Chair of Governors, Mr John Campbell, and Chief Executive of CCMS, Mr Jim Clarke, spoke of Mr Mooney’s dedication and professionalism and his signifcant role in shaping St Paul’s into the success story that it is today.

Vice-principal, Mrs Una McNulty and Bursar, Mrs Sharon Cowan presented gifts to Mr Mooney from the staff of St Paul’s, and social events co-ordinator, Mrs Bernadette Cunningham presented flowers to Mrs Mooney.

Watch our special video from the Mass and function for Mr Mooney.