New principal starts first day at County Roscommon school

Ballinasloe native Keith Kelly started as the new principal of Cloonakilla National School today, Wednesday.

He succeeds Mary O’Rourke who retired earlier this year after serving 41 years on the teaching staff and the last 19 years as principal.

A teacher for fourteen years, Keith started his career at the Divine Mercy National School in Balgaddy, Lucan before going on to teach in Dubai for four years from 2017 to 2021.

He returned to Balgaddy before his appointment as principal of Eglish National School in Ahscragh.

He served there from 2022 to 2025 before taking up his new head role at Cloonakilla National School.

The South Roscommon school has just over 400 students with a staff of twenty two teachers, six SNAs, a secretary and a caretaker.

“It’s a fabulous school. My predecessor Mary O’Rourke has done an amazing job during her time here and I would very much like to note that,” said Keith, speaking to the Roscommon Herald.

 “From my point of view, I’m excited to get to know the staff, the students and the parents and to work alongside them. I’m also looking forward to building on the great work that has already been done at the school,” he said.

Keith originally grew up in Ahascragh before moving to Ballinasloe.

Outside of his work, he is an avid follower of Gaelic Games on and off the field. He won an All-Ireland minor football medal with Galway in 2007, playing at corner-back.

Keith also played senior intercounty football with the Tribesmen for a number of years.