Our Team

Séamas Ó Donnghaile M.A.

Príomhoide / Principal
Séamas became principal in 2001. Before that, he taught for four years in Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, in Belfast's urban Gaeltacht region. This was the first gaelscoil in the Six Counties. He completed the Professional Qualification in Headship (PQH) in 2005 and graduated in 2010 with an M.A. in Irish (Translation/Folkore Studies). He is working towards a doctorate in Education with Queen's University Belfast (commenced Sept. 2010). Outside of formal teaching, Séamas has been teaching Irish to adults on a voluntary basis since 1986 in Cumann Chluain Ard (est. 1936) in his native West Belfast. He has been the chairperson there for the last five years. He delivers lectures on Patrick Pearse's work as an educationalist. Séamas' favourite books are An Druma Mór (Mac Grianna, 1969) and Vanishing Voices: The Extinction of the World's Languages (Nettle & Romaine, 2000). His favourite place in the whole world is any place in which Irish is spoken. 

Qualifications
M.A., PGCE, PQH, Cert. PD 

Caoimhe Ní Mhearthaile

Vice-Principal / Primary 1 Teacher

Caoimhe graduated with honours from St. Patricks College, Dublin in 2002. She has been teaching at Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain for 8 years and is currently undertaking the Masters in Education at St. Mary's College. She is a senior teacher with responsibility for Bi-Literacy, EPD, Planning and Assessment and is the teacher representative on the Board of Governors. Caoimhe was educated in Irish-medium schools at both primary and post-primary schools in Dublin. She started a part-time Masters Degree (in Irish-medium Edcuation) last year. She enjoys reading and keeping fit!

Qualifications
B.Ed, H.Dip, PQH

Helen Sheppard

Primary 4/5 Teacher

Helen graduated with honours from St. Mary's University College, Belfast, in 2006 and has been with us ever since. She is Mathematics/Numeracy Co-ordinator and is also jointly responsible for Assessment. Her favourite place in whole wide world is Cushendall in the Glens of Antrim. The Harry Potter books are her favourites. Helen started a part-time Masters Degree (in Irish-medium Edcuation) last year. Her interests include promoting Gaelic games in the school and bringing children to all events Gaelic outside the school!   

Qualifications
B.Ed.

Orlaith Uí Dhaibhín

Primary 6/7 Teacher

Orlaith graduated with honours from St. Mary's University College, Belfast, in 2006. She is responsible for the development of PDMU throughout the school and is our Special Needs Co-ordinator. She started a part-time Masters Degree (in Irish-medium Education) last year and is also working towards a OCR Level 5 Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia). She is a past-pupil of Gaelscoil na bhFál and Coláiste Feirste in West Belfast.    

Qualifications
B.A, PGCE.

Caragh Ní Mháirtín

Primary 3/4 Teacher

Caragh became part of the team in September 2009. She graduated with an honours degree (in Irish) from Queen's University Belfast. In July 2009, she qualified as a teacher from St. Mary's University College, Belfast. She spent time with us on her teaching practice as a student. Caragh started a part-time Masters Degree (in Irish-medium Education) last year. She is our Extended Schools co-ordinator and teaches Irish dancing in the school also. Her interests include learning the bodhrán and Irish dancing. Before university, Caragh attended Lagan College, an integrated post-primary school. Her favourite books are the Narnia series and her favourite place is Rann na Feirste (Ranafast) in the Donegal Gaeltacht.    

Qualifications
B.A, PGCE.