"Stephen was widely known as a teacher of exceptional brilliance and passion" - Tributes to Kildare teacher
Tributes pour in for Stephen Brogan, who taught at St Mary’s College, Naas for many years before he passed away
Tributes have poured in for a much loved Kildare teacher, who sadly died this week.
Stephen Brogan of Drumoghill, Donegal / Clane passed away peacefully at the Donegal Hospice on Wednesday, August 12. He taught at St Mary’s College, Naas for many years.
“On behalf of St. Mary’s College Past Pupils Union I wish to send our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, friends and colleagues on his very sad and untimely passing. Stephen was widely known as a teacher of exceptional brilliance and passion, who brought true love of Irish and Geography into his classroom. He embodied the very best traditions of St. Mary’s, inspiring his students with his intellect, humour and kindness. We know the whole school community has lost a very special teacher, colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all especially his loved ones. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal,” wrote Bernadine Price, President St. Mary’s College Alumni on the RIP condolences.
Beloved son of Gerard and Grainne (née McGlinchey), he will be lovingly missed by his brothers Hugh (Emma) and Rory (Darcy), his sister Elaine Friel (Gavin), and his nieces and nephews Izzie, Jade, Max, Harry and Amelia, his granny Monny McGlinchey, his aunt Lorna, and his special friend Kerry. He is deeply regretted by his colleagues and staff of St Mary’s College, Naas, Co. Kildare, and by all his extended family and friends.
He was fondly remembered by his past pupils.
“ Mr Brogan was the kind of teacher who changed lives. His kindness and passion for the things he loved was incredible. I’ll never forget the laughs and wind ups we had, but also his ability to make you excited to learn from him. He always had time for me, I will always remember our conversations about all things Liverpool and football.Taken far too soon, may his memory live on in the lives of so many people who loved him,” said one former student.
“We feel very fortunate to have been taught by him in St Mary’s College, Naas. He was a wonderful teacher and was part of such an important time in all of our lives. We will remember him with great fondness and gratitude,” they said.
Another remarked; “He was an amazing teacher who had a real love for the Irish language and Donegal, but he was also always able to have a laugh with his students. His wit and good humour made him a teacher I’ll always remember fondly.”
One of his colleagues wrote; “He was a wonderful colleague, always generous with his time and support and had a great sense of humour. He was a truly gifted teacher, one whose passion for his subjects was impossible to miss. Stephen, we will really miss you , rest in peace now. “