First female principal takes over at Rice College
Neill O’Neill
A NEW principal has been appointed at Rice College in Westport. Patricia Atkins has already taken up her post ahead of the new academic year in September and becomes the first female principal at the all-boys school.
Her appointment also means that all three of Westport’s post-primary schools now have female principals for the first time.
A native of Longford, Mrs Atkins was previously a teacher of maths and business in Loretto Abbey in Dalkey, Dublin. She assumes her role from acting principal Martin McIntyre, who is deputy principal at the school but has been working as principal since Frank McCarrick retired last December.
She told The Mayo News that it is a case of so far so good since she began living in Newport recently.
“I didn’t mind the move, and I think I will enjoy life in the west,” she said. “I am delighted with the appointment and look forward to getting into the role. My first impressions of Rice College are that it is a very friendly school, and having met Martin McIntyre in terms of sorting out the handover, I am very happy. I have big acts to follow in Frank McCarrick and Martin McIntyre and I look forward to the challenge.”
Acting principal, Martin McIntyre – who did not wish to be considered for the position – extended his congratulations and best wishes to his successor last week, as did the school’s last permanent principal, Frank McCarrick.
