Secondary school’s poignant tribute to late principal

Tributes have been paid to Moate resident and former Loreto College Mullingar principal Sinead Lawlor who passed away on Friday following a long illness.

In a poignant tribute, the Mullingar secondary school remembered Sinead as an "educator, colleague and friend".

"Sinéad embodied everything we value in education and leadership - wisdom, courage, vision, and heart. Her natural leadership, sharp intellect, and deep compassion made her not just a teacher, but a transformative figure in the lives of students and staff alike.

“Sinéad was never afraid to innovate.

“A pioneer of school development planning, curriculum reform, and student-centred learning, her influence can be seen in every corner of Loreto College.

“Her professional achievements were immense, but what truly defined Sinéad was her humanity. She mentored countless colleagues with grace and generosity and was a steadying voice in times of challenge, a fountain of knowledge, a brilliant problem-solver, and a joyful companion."

Noting Sinéad to be a "beacon of belief" to all her students, the secondary school tribute said that she was a teacher who "never gave up on the girl who needed help".

"Her relational skills, quiet strength, and unwavering empathy often made all the difference in the lives of those facing difficulty. Sinéad’s leadership extended far beyond school policies and planning, creating a culture of care, courage, and curiosity."

Offering condolences to her husband Brian and sons Seán, Cillian, and Odhrán, the tribute said Sinéad always spoke of her family with "deep pride, humour, and affection" and although she encountered health challenges in recent years, she met them with a "resilience" which was "nothing short of extraordinary".

"She faced adversity with grace, humour, faith, and dignity, continuing to guide, inspire and uplift her colleagues even from afar. Her strength was rooted in her deep personal faith and her remarkably positive outlook. Even in hardship, she remained a source of strength and light to those around her.

"In remembering Sinéad, we give thanks for a life lived with passion, purpose, and immense generosity of spirit. She leaves behind a school forever shaped by her presence, and a community strengthened by her love.

"Sinéad leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and learning. She shaped the lives of students, empowered her colleagues, and left an indelible mark on the heart of Loreto College Mullingar.

“We will miss her voice, her laugh, her strength, and her spirit, but we are better because she walked among us,” the tribute said.

Sinéad is sadly missed by her husband and soul mate, Brian, her devoted sons Seán, Cillian and Odhrán, her parents Pat and Janie, brothers Owen, David and Mark, sister Olivia (Jones), sisters-in-law Caroline, Marcella and Anne, brothers-in-law Richard and Declan, mother-in-law Bríd, nieces, nephews and loyal friends.

Following Sinead's funeral mass at the Carmelite Church, Moate on Monday her burial took place in Rosemount Cemetery.