Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Patron of Coláiste Chiaráin, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Brendan Waldron as Principal of the College by the Interim Board of Management. Mr Waldron will take up the post at the beginning of February 2017.
A native of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, Mr Waldron has lived in Bealnamulla, Co Roscommon for a number of years, forging strong links with the local community and sporting organisations. A graduate of the University of Limerick and Maynooth University, Mr Waldron has served as a teacher at Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, and is currently working with the Professional Development Service for Teachers.
Responding to his appointment Mr Waldron said: “I am delighted to have been appointed the first Principal of Athlone’s newest second level college – Coláiste Chiaráin. The new amalgamated school represents an exciting and hugely significant development for Athlone and South Roscommon. I am committed to working together with the staff, students and parents of St Aloysius College and St Joseph’s College, the College Board of Management, the Diocese of Elphin and the entire community to ensure that Coláiste Chiaráin will be a welcoming centre of learning where every student will be cared for as he/she develops physically, spiritually and intellectually during their secondary education.
Bishop Doran said of the appointment: “I warmly welcome the appointment of Mr Brendan Waldron as Principal of Coláiste Chiaráin. He has significant experience both in teaching and in supporting teachers, which will be one of his key tasks in the years ahead. Coláiste Chiaráin is intended to ensure that young people in the West Athlone area will have the option, in their own community, of a Catholic education to the highest academic standards. It seems appropriate, therefore that the new Principal is someone who has established his own roots in that same community. I look forward very much to working with Brendan.”
The new college, Coláiste Chiaráin, is the amalgamation of two diocesan secondary colleges in Athlone: St Aloysius College and St Joseph’s College. For more information, please see www.elphindiocese.ie.
