Heartbroken faculty pays tribute to ‘considered one of a form’ instructor after tragic demise
A school in County Down is mourning the loss of vice-principal Fionnuala Hartigan, described in heartfelt tributes as ‘the loveliest, most gentle person’
Moving tributes have poured in following the tragic death of a mother-of-three and vice-principal of a school.
Fionnuala Hartigan (née Morgan) served as vice-principal of St Patrick’s College in Banbridge, Co Down, Northern Ireland. Former pupils, colleagues, parents and friends have described her as a “dedicated educator and compassionate role-model” and a “genuine and deeply caring individual.”
St Patrick’s College said in a social media post: “Our school community is beyond heartbroken that we must announce the passing of our dearly beloved friend and colleague, our vice-principal, Fionnuala Hartigan.
“Words cannot describe the terrible void that this devastating news has left in our school and in our hearts.”
Fionnuala, who lived in Newry, spent 27 years at St Patrick’s College, having joined in 1998 as a Business and ICT teacher before progressing into senior leadership.
“Her entire career was defined by her unwavering, child-centred approach,” said a spokesperson for the school. “Fionnuala believed deeply in the potential of every young person and worked tirelessly to ensure their well-being and success were at the heart of everything we did.
“As a vice-principal, her commitment to creating a positive, vibrant, and inclusive learning and working environment was unparalleled. The impact of Fionnuala’s loving presence and selfless leadership has undoubtedly touched countless lives over these last 27 years, and her loss will undoubtedly be felt deeply throughout our community for many years to come.”
The school extended its heartfelt condolences to Fionnuala’s husband, Ciaran, to her children, Eoin, Orla and Kate, to her parents, Raymond and Patricia, and to her siblings Orla and Declan.
“We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and offer respect and privacy as they navigate this most difficult time,” said the spokesperson.
A book of condolence was opened in the school assembly hall on Saturday afternoon.
Past pupils also paid tribute to Mrs Hartigan. “She wasn’t just a vice principal – she was someone who truly cared about us as people,” one wrote. “She encouraged me, believed in me and made school feel like a place where I could grow and be myself. Her kindness will never be forgotten.”
Another tribute described her as someone who “always went above and beyond, always did what she did discreetly and with the biggest heart”, adding that she was “one of a kind”.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside you all these years. I will miss you dearly as both a colleague and a friend,” a member of staff at the school said.
In other tributes, Mrs Hartigan was described as “the loveliest, most gentle person” and “a genuinely lovely woman who cared so passionately about the wellbeing of the young people in her care”.
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