Julie Helen: Congrats to Pat Kinsella..Cork schools are so much richer because of his work

Pat Kinsella was named Cork Person of the Month for August, 2026. These voluntary awards have been run for over 30 years, and each year culminates in the Cork Person of the Year awards.

I’m glad they finally landed on Pat Kinsella, even though he is a very proud Wexford man.

I first met Pat in 1998, when he was my secondary school principal. I am where I am today because he sees the greatness in everyone and makes it shine.

Pat has lived, worked and volunteered in Cork for well over 40 years. He taught in a couple of schools before becoming the founding principal of Coláiste/Gaelcholáiste Choilm in Ballincollig, where he was at the helm for 25 years. After retirement, he went on to volunteer as a manager of eight different schools in Cork, to support them to implement change and grow and develop in the way that was best for students and staff to flourish. He served on the Board of Management of three further schools. That makes 11 schools this extraordinary leader had a direct impact on after retirement. In reality, I know his altruistic impact is far greater because he encourages and supports individuals in all he does. He has shaped education policy and direction on a national level too and helped so many people in his own community along the journey. I believe nobody would be able to quantify what Pat actually does for others. He does it without missing a beat, it is part of who he is, and I will always be grateful and proud that he shares his wisdom and spark with me. He taught me the value of volunteering and how action counts.

I found school quite challenging, and Pat knew that. His door was always open. He saw me laugh and cry, as I navigated through my tumultuous teenage years. He recognised that having a disability expended my energy in a different way to others, but he had a special way of presenting opportunities so that I could never say no to him.

I volunteered a lot in school, and I loved debating and public speaking as well as all the musicals and performances, and Pat was encouraging at every turn. In fact, he had a significant hand in the way I now write this column because he put me forward for leadership opportunities, which got my efforts noticed. He amplified my voice and cheered me on.

In 2009, long after leaving school, I got the opportunity to volunteer alongside Pat when we were both appointed to the National Council for Special Education, me as a student voice and he as a voice in teaching and school leadership. It transformed our relationship from one of teacher and student to a mutual appreciation society that still burns brightly today. I got to experience his vision, understand and share his passion for inclusive education, and realise that he does everything with the utmost integrity while preserving the dignity of others. That is the true essence of a mentor and a volunteer.

Pat is an extremely talented and thoughtful man who acts when he is needed because it is the right thing to do, and he is always ready to row in. I pick up the phone to him when I need advice, and I believe him when he gives it.

He listens and remembers the important things about people. Pat Kinsella was living and breathing an inclusive education agenda long before many others, and Cork schools are so much richer as a result. Congratulations, Pat. You are one in a million.