Big surprise for former Principal as school extension is named in his honour

Date Published: 05-Oct-2011

When John Boner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Presentation College Headford, unveiled a plaque at the opening of the college’s new extension, he had no idea what surprise awaited him – because the impressive new building has been named the John Boner Building in honour of the man himself!

John’s contribution to Presentation College, since he first arrived in Headford in 1967, is immeasurable. As Vice-Principal from 1972 until 1999, he worked with three successive Principals: Sr. Vianney, Sr. Nuala Courtney and Sr. Bríd Brennan.

From 1999 to 2004 he was Principal of the college and he has been Chairperson of the Board of Management since 2005. Commencing in the late 1970s with the first major extension to the original 1953 structure, he has been centrally involved in every building development in PCH.

Proceedings at the official opening of the John Boner Building got underway when John was invited by Principal James Whyte to unveil the plaque which was inscribed “Coláiste na Toirbhirte Ath Cinn: the John Boner building”.

The assembled crowd of students, staff, Presentation sisters, parents, past pupils and friends cheered and clapped as realisation dawned on John Boner that the building was named after him.

John’s wife Margaret, their five children Danny, Johnny, Michael, Frank and Mary, and their grandson Jack were all in attendance at the highly charged ceremony.

See full story and photos in this week’s Connacht Tribune.