Tributes paid on passing of much loved retired Offaly school vice-principal

KILLINA Presentation Secondary School has paid tribute to a former vice-principal, Sean Devery, who passed away recently.

"It was with profound sadness we learned of the passing of Sean Devery. Sean was a titan in our school’s history. An able lieutenant working alongside Sr Patrick and Sr Oliver, and later with Paraic Moran, Sean’s legacy and contribution to the development of our school cannot be overstated.

Joining the school in 1972, Sean was a constant, initially as a teacher, but very soon thereafter as a vice principal. Sean was there as the school was fighting for survival, and he took tremendous pride in seeing the school not just survive but thrive over the course of his tenure.

Sean was a towering intellect. His appreciation, love, and knowledge of history engaged and enthralled so many of his students, and his classical training lent itself to teaching Latin, English and Geography with equal aplomb.

In his role as vice principal, Sean was so capable, so efficient, and so effective. He was an authoritarian presence, and a strong disciplinarian, but he inspired respect more so than fear, because everyone understood and appreciated that fairness and forgiveness underpinned his approach. Sean had a truly rare gift of being able to lay down the law, and still command respect because students could see genuine kindness, good nature, and humour behind, and this always cancelled out any grievance or resentment.

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In the staffroom or socialising, Sean’s presence was always entertaining and informative. A sharp wit, ready humour, and broad range of interests meant that Sean was always good company. Starting off teaching as green as the grass, for me Sean was a tremendous mentor, offering guidance, advice and encouragement that was invaluable. His love for the school, and his pride in any achievements by any students was palpable, and again Sean’s contribution to building the ethos and atmosphere of our school is immeasurable. Undoubtedly past pupils and past colleagues will recall fondly their times and encounters with Sean, and the profound positive impact he had on them.

While writing this from a school perspective, first and foremost Sean was a family man. Proud of his roots and his family, our sense of loss pales to that of his family. To Miriam, Aoife, Diarmuid and Daniel, on behalf of the current and past Killina community, we extend our deepest condolences. We hope that Sean’s legacy, the huge impression he left so many students, colleagues and friends, and the many memories of happy times will provide comfort at this difficult time and long into the future.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

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