Paddy Lydon announces his retirement from the Jes.
Paddy Lydon will end a fifty-two year association with Coláiste Iognáid, Galway, when he retires later this year from his position as principal.
Mr. Pádhraic (Paddy) Lydon, Principal of Coláiste Iognáid, Galway has announced to the Board of Management that he intends to resign as Principal, effective from November 5th 2007. His departure will, for him, mark the end of a fifty-two year association with the school. Paddy first arrived at Coláiste Iognáid as a twelve year-old boy in 1955 and sat the Leaving Certificate in 1961. After his third-level education he returned to Coláiste Iognáid in 1964 in a full-time capacity and he has been with the school ever since. He was renowned among his students as a first-class teacher of French. In 1991 Paddy became Vice-Principal upon the appointment of Mr. Frank Canavan as the first non-jesuit Headmaster of the school. Paddy succeeded Frank to the position of Principal in January 2003. In his letter to the Board, Paddy expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity of being Principal of Coláiste Iognáid and in particular for the Board’s support and advice, and for the trust and confidence placed in him right throughout his career, particularly since he became Principal. He went on to say: ‘I am glad to see that some of the dreams that I have had for the future of Coláiste Iognáid are now about to become a reality, and I consider it timely to allow the Board the opportunity to make a new appointment in time to influence the important decisions for the future. I leave Coláiste Iognáid with the fondest of memories after a fulfilling career which, alas has passed all too quickly.’ We thank him profoundly for a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the school and wish him, together with his wife, Marie, God’s blessing for a long, healthy and well-earned retirement.