Wexford native became principal of Gaelcholáiste Choilm for 25 years

Dedicated community advocate and education leader Pat Kinsella has been honoured as the Cork Person of the Month for August 2026.

Pat spent a quarter of a century as the principal of Coláiste/Gaelcholáiste Choilm before his retirement in 2012 and later went on to serve as an expert volunteer in a range of school communities in Cork.

He served as chairperson or sole manager in eight schools and joined the board of management of a further three.

His dedication is underlined by the fact that each of these positions represented up to six years of voluntary commitment and allowed Pat to share his expertise with principals and school boards.

The Wexford native began his teaching career in Dublin before taking up a post at the North Mon in Cork city, and later becoming the principal of Gaelcholáiste Choilm for 25 years.

Pat’s stellar work led to widespread praise in establishing a vibrant new school to cater for the fast-growing population. Pat was also vice chairman of the National Council for Special Education for six years.

Reflecting on his career as he received his Cork Person of the Month Award, Pat said:

“The real joy was in experiencing school communities totally focused on creating the optimum conditions for children, while at the same time being afforded the opportunity to assist the excellent work of teachers, support staff and management.

“It has been a pleasure to contribute to the Ballincollig area and to join others on so many committees down the years, helping to ensure Ballincollig remains a fantastic place to live and work.

“My voluntary work in the context of schools is not unusual as many teachers, parents and community nominees are involved,” he said.

Outside the education sphere, Pat is a dedicated community activist – a voluntary role he is immensely proud of.

Pat has held a plethora of roles in the local community including as editor of the Ballincollig Parish newsletter, secretary of Ballincollig Community Centre and an organiser of trade and leisure fairs.

Pat also produced local pantomimes and musicals, was an organiser of the parish youth folk liturgy movement and also served as the President of the Enterprise Board.

Manus O’Callaghan, Cork Person of the Year Awards Organiser, said:

“Pat’s contribution to education and community is quite amazing, as was the contribution of his late wife, Marjorie.

“They brought up their family, Lisa and John, locally in Ballyshoneen in Waterfall and all have left an indelible mark on their communities.”

Pat’s name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the Annual Gala Awards Lunch on January 29, 2027, at the Metropole Hotel.