Pat Kinsella, a leader in education in Cork for the past 50 years, has been announced as Cork Person of the Month for August in recognition of his contribution to 11 different schools in a voluntary capacity.
On Pat’s retirement as a much-admired school principal in Ballincollig in 2012, he went on to serve as an expert volunteer in a range of school communities in Cork. He served as chairperson or sole manager in eight schools and joined the board of management of a further three. His enormous dedication is underlined by the fact that each of these positions represented up to six years of voluntary commitment. These positions allowed Pat to share his enormous expertise, with principals and school boards benefiting from Pat’s insights in areas such as governance, appointments, development projects, policies and Department of Education requirements.
25 YEARS AS PRINCIPAL IN GAELCHOLÁISTE
Pat’s teaching career began in Dublin before he started working as a teacher in the North Mon in Cork city. He then went to teach at Ballincollig Community School before starting a 25-year stint as principal in Coláiste/Gaelcholáiste Choilm. His work here received widespread praise in establishing a vibrant new school to cater for the fast-growing population. He was also vice chairman of the National Council for Special Education for six years.
Outside the education sphere, Pat has been a dedicated community activist throughout his life. He has held a number of important positions in the community, including editor of the Ballincollig Parish newsletter; secretary of Ballincollig Community Centre; an organiser of trade and leisure fairs; a producer of local pantomimes and musicals; an organiser of the parish youth folk liturgy movement; and president of the Enterprise Board.
Pat has strong GAA roots and comes from a well-known Wexford family. The family’s immense contribution to GAA in Wexford is highlighted by the fact that for four decades there was always a Kinsella family member playing or coaching with Wexford. Pat himself also played, first for Cuala in Dublin and then with Naomh Eanna Gorey, winning club honours at all levels.
‘AMAZING’ CONTRIBUTION
Speaking as he received his Cork Person of the Month Award, Pat reflected on the past 14 years.
“The real joy was in experiencing school communities totally focused on creating the optimum conditions for children, while at the same time being afforded the opportunity to assist the excellent work of teachers, support staff and management.
“It has been a pleasure to contribute to the Ballincollig area and to join others on so many committees down the years, helping to ensure Ballincollig remains a fantastic place to live and work. My voluntary work in the context of schools is not unusual as many teachers, parents and community nominees are involved,” he said.
Manus O’Callaghan, Cork Person of the Year awards organiser, said that Pat’s contribution to education and community ‘is quite amazing, as was the contribution of his late wife, Marjorie’.
“They brought up their family, Lisa and John, locally in Ballyshoneen in Waterfall and all have left an indelible mark on their communities.”
Pat’s name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the Annual Gala Awards Lunch on January 29th, 2027 at the Metropole Hotel.
