White knight rides in to save Galway island school
A white knight has come to the rescue of Inis Meáin's primary school which was predicting its own demise due to the exodus of families if the Government did not cough up for a second teacher.
Campaigners had pleaded with Oireachtas members from Galway last month to appoint another teacher for the nine-pupil school.
After three years of having a single teacher in charge of Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Meáin, parents had threatened to withdraw their children this September, citing health and safety concerns.
They stressed that it was an impossible task for a single teacher, tasked with being on duty all day without a lunch or toilet break while teaching a full curriculum to students ranging from junior infants to sixth class.
The principal and only teacher is recovering from a serious illness which put her on sick leave for 18 months.
The pleas fell on deaf ears within the Department of Education but it did attract the attention of a high-flying insurance executive.
Patrick Manley, CEO of Zurich's general insurance business in Europe, Middle East and Africa, is a regular visitor to Inis Meáin for holidays. When he heard about the island’s plight, he organised for a two-year teacher post to be funded from the insurance giant’s philanthropic programme, called Investing in Communities.
“Inis Meáin is a stronghold of the Irish language. The language, and the very sustainability of the island, is under threat if families there cannot avail of a good level of education for their children” said Mr Manley.
“The case for the reinstatement of an additional teacher at the primary school on Inis Meáin is a strong one.
“In recognition of the importance of the Irish language, the educational needs of the children on the island, and indeed the very future of the fabric of the island community, Zurich is proud to be able to step in and pledge our support for the appointment of a teacher for two years.”
He also expressed hope that a longer term solution could be put in place.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.