Donegal ETB bids a fond farewell to Shaun Purcell, Chief Executive

The staff of Donegal ETB have bid a fond farewell to Shaun Purcell, Chief Executive who has left to take over at the helm as Chief Executive in Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board from the 1st September 2015.

Shaun joined Donegal ETB in October 2012 as Chief Executive Officer, following the sad passing of MaryAnn Kane. He took over at a time of great transition for ETBs as the organisation began its own transformation from Vocational Education Committees to Education and Training Boards. In July 2013, this transformation became official following the implementation of the Education and Training Board Act, 2013. This also seen the amalgamation of the two SOLAS (fomerly FAS) Centres in Donegal coming under the remit of Donegal ETB. It is testament to Shaun that he led out this period of transition with relative ease and proficiency which made this period of change substantially a seamless one for the staff of Donegal ETB’s Schools and Centres as well as our students and learners throughout our organisation.

The staff at Administrative Offices paid tribute to Shaun on his departure and take this opportunity on behalf of all the Staff at Donegal ETB to thank Shaun for his leadership, inspiration and guidance both in a professional and creative capacity during his time with the ETB.  We wish him the very best in his new role and good wishes to all his family.

“Of all the comrades that ere I had, they’re sorry for my going away,
And of all the sweethearts that ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise while you should not,
I will gently rise and I’ll softly call, “Goodnight and joy be with you all!”

lyrics from The Parting Glass