Monastery National School Principal Jim McGee Retires After 41 Years
By ArdeePost Reporter
After 41 years in education—16 of them as principal of Monastery National School in Ardee—Kilcurry native Jim McGee officially retired last week in what he described as “a great journey.”
Educated at Carysfort Teacher Training College, Mr McGee began his career at St Joseph’s NS, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk in 1984. He served there for 25 years, including a nine-year secondment (1999–2008) to the Department of Education, where he helped introduce ICT initiatives in primary and secondary schools. In 2009, he took up his role at Monastery NS and, in 2022, oversaw its transition to a co-educational school—welcoming girls for the first time in its 132-year history.
At his final assembly, Mr McGee announced the creation of the “Eileen McGee Perpetual Award,” named after his late mother. The award will honor a sixth-class pupil—preferably a girl—who excels academically and embodies the school’s spirit. He also received a signed Louth jersey, presented by alumni Liam Jackson, acknowledging his contribution to sports development at the school—where teams have claimed eleven county titles and five doubles. Several past pupils now feature on the Louth senior and U20 panels.
Reflecting on his teaching career, Mr McGee remarked, “The use of technology in schools—Chromebooks, iPads—has radically changed how we teach.” Under his leadership, the school added a climbing wall and sensory corridor to enrich students’ learning environments.
Ms Reginal O’Malley, formerly of Ardaghy NS, Omeath, will succeed him as principal. In retirement, Mr McGee plans to hike the Cooley Mountains, tackle home DIY projects (much to the delight of his wife Niamh, an SNA), and potentially revive his passion for amateur drama with Dundalk Theatre Workshop and Dolman Theatre Group.
Surrounded by family—wife Niamh and children Aoife and Cian—and colleagues, he left the school with pride and gratitude. “I will really miss the kids and all my colleagues,” he said, concluding a distinguished career dedicated to progress, community, and education.
