Gaeilge
Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Sinéad Ní Dhochartaigh as the new Deputy Principal of Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Béal an Átha Móir. She replaces Ms Aoife de Náis, who recently moved to a Deputy Principal post in Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny.
Originally from Glenfin and a former pupil of the school, Sinéad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Irish, a Master of Arts degree in Irish, and a Professional Master of Education degree, all from NUI Galway.
She began her teaching career in Dublin before returning to County Donegal. Since 2019, she has been teaching Irish and Geography in St. Columba’s Comprehensive School in Glenties, where she was also part of the Middle Leadership Team with the post of English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator. She was heavily involved in school sports and the promotion of the Irish language, and worked for the State Examinations Commission for almost ten years as an Irish oral and written examiner.
Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Béal an Átha Móir is an Irish-speaking school managed by Donegal ETB. Ciarán Mac Ruaidhrí is the school principal, and the school is situated in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht Láir. It has a school population of almost one hundred students, with just over twenty-three staff members.
The school offers a range of subjects to Leaving Certificate higher level, including Gaeilge, English, Maths, History, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, French, Business, Art, Woodwork, Graphics, Music, Physical Education, Home Economics, Graphics Design and Communications, and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme.
Speaking about her appointment, Sinéad said, “I am honoured to be appointed Deputy Principal of Gairmscoil Chú Uladh. As a proud past pupil and local of the area, I feel a strong connection to the school and look forward to working with our students and families in the community.”
“I am excited to work with our Principal, Ciarán Mac Ruaidhrí, and the dedicated staff of the school to continue their fantastic work in promoting the Irish language, delivering high-quality education through the medium of Irish, and ensuring every student feels supported to achieve their full potential. In this role, I am committed to advancing our school’s vision, upholding the values of Donegal ETB, and encouraging more young people to experience the many benefits of immersive education through Irish.”
Sinéad’s passion for the Irish language extends to promoting the language in her local community through her involvement with the local Coiste Pleanála Teanga na Gaeltachta Láir over several years. She is now looking forward to continuing that work in Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, aiming to encourage more young people to experience the many benefits of immersive education through Irish and to complete their second-level education through the language.
Thanking the staff of Gairmscoil Chú Uladh for their warm welcome and support, Sinéad extended her best wishes to the outgoing Deputy Principal, Aoife de Náis, as she takes up her new post in Coláiste Ailigh.
Dr Martin Gormley, Director of Schools with Donegal ETB, congratulated Sinead on her appointment, saying: “I am delighted to welcome Sinéad to the senior leadership and management team of Gairmscoil Chú Uladh. This is an important appointment, and I extend my congratulations to her as she takes on this key role, working closely with Principal Ciarán Mac Ruaidhrí. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Aoife de Náis, the outgoing Deputy Principal, for her significant contribution to the development of the school over recent years..”
Gairmscoil Chú Uladh is one of fifteen of the county’s twenty-seven post-primary schools under the management of Donegal ETB, the largest education and training provider in the county. In the previous academic year 2024-2025, over 6,000 students attended Donegal ETB post-primary schools.
Sinéad takes up her appointment immediately.