Mayo school principal the kind that every child deserves

By Amanda McGuinness

THIS summer marks the end of another chapter for our family. My beautiful son Jack has finished primary school and is preparing for the exciting move to secondary school.

Jack’s older brother Conor made that same transition several years ago. Now it is Jack's turn.

Along the way, there are people who quietly change for the better the lives of autistic children and their families. For us, one of those influential people has been principal Kieran Geraghty of Knockrooskey National School.

Leadership isn't measured only by policies or results. Sometimes it is measured by the feeling you create when a child walks through your school gates each morning.

Long before terms such as neuroaffirmative practice became part of everyday conversation, Kieran was already leading the way. Long before schools aspired to be autism-friendly, he had already created a culture where children were understood, differences were respected, and belonging was simply expected.

He brought energy, compassion and genuine curiosity to every child. Families felt listened to, children felt valued, and staff were empowered to see strengths. Those qualities cannot be taught in a leadership course. They come from character.

Looking back, I realise Kieran wasn't following educational trends. He was setting the standard years before many of us had the language to describe it.

As parents, we never forget the people who make our children feel safe, seen, capable and accepted. Kieran Geraghty has been one of those people for our whole family.

As we left school for the final time, Jack turned to me and said, "I'll really miss Mr. G." I smiled and replied, "I know you will, my lovely Jack."

Thank you, Mr. G, for accepting my lovely Jack for who he is. He will make you proud in the years ahead.

* Read Amanda's twice monthly Little Puddins column in The Connaught Telegraph print edition