Achill mourns death of former school principal

Achill mourns death of former school principal


Anton McNulty

THE death occurred over the weekend of Sheila Sweeney, one of the leading educationalists in Achill and former principal of Scoil Damhnait.
Sheila Sweeney, who was in her early eighties died at her home in Ashleam in Achill over the weekend after being ill for some time. She was married to the late Padraig Sweeney, who founded Scoil Damhnait in 1948, and following his death, she took over the management of Scoil Damhnait. Following her retirement in the 1990’s, she was succeeded as principal by her daughter, Maura.
Sheila, nee Moran, was a native of Tiernaur and came to Achill as a national school teacher and later worked in Scoil Damhnait. The second level school was founded at a time when there were few opportunities for young people in Achill to continue their education past primary school level.
Local councillor, MicheΡl McNamara told The Mayo News that the death of Mrs Sweeney was a huge loss for the community and she had carried on the good work started by her husband, Padraig.
“The community of Achill is saddened by the death of Sheila Sweeney who was the headmistress of Scoil Damhnait for a number of years. She was involved in many aspects of community life, she was progressive and helped many families with their children’s education. She is a big loss to the community and I wish to extend my sympathy to her family,” he said.
As well as her work as a teacher, Sheila was also involved in the choirs in the parish and other aspects of church life in Achill. Her Funeral Mass took place yesterday afternoon in the Sacred Heart Church in Derreens with burial afterwards in Glencoe Cemetery. She is survived by her daughters, Alice and Maura and sons, Owenie, Padraig and Andrew.