Tributes paid to former Tallaght Community School principal

By Echo Reporter

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Tallaght Community School headmaster Padraig Heeran, who passed away last week.

He began his career with Tallaght Community School as its first principal following its establishment in 1972, until 1988.

Originally from Leitrim, Padraig passed away last Tuesday, June 21 in Leeson Park Nursing Home and was laid to rest last Friday in Kilternan Park Cemetery following a Mass in the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Balally.

Deputy principal of Tallaght Community School, Michael Glynn, who worked with Padraig during the ’80s, told The Echo: “Padraig had a big impact on TCS and on education in Tallaght. It was a new type of school, he was one of the pioneers of education.

“He saw a lot of change in Tallaght throughout his years in TCS, from a greenfield site and the country road from Tallaght to Templeogue, to the area being built up from there.

“Padraig truly was an absolute gentleman. He was very approachable and helpful to not only students but teachers as well.

“He also had close links with local GAA teams, having been a former football player himself. Anything extra curricular in the school, he promoted.

“Tallaght Community School and Padraig Heeran go hand-in-hand. His passing will be a big loss to the school community.”

Padraig is remembered as the beloved and loving husband of Josie, and the much-loved dad of Mary, Fran and John.

He will also be missed by his family, including his son and daughters-in-law, his grandchildren, his siblings and all of his relatives and friends.