Deputy First Minister praises ethos of 'Dean'

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has praised the work being undertaken in our schools to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead of them.

Mr McGuinness made the comments as he delivered an address at Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore, where he was guest speaker at the school’s prizegiving this evening.

“Over the past four decades and more, “The Dean” has enjoyed considerable academic success, but just as importantly, it has also built a reputation as a place which caters for the many and varied needs of the young people who come through its doors, be that vocational, sporting, cultural, or artistic.

“It is this ethos of teamwork which has played a major part in the success that has been enjoyed here over many years, and even a Derry man has to admit that when it comes to teamwork, Tyrone people, particularly their footballers like Conor Gormley a former pupil here, can show us a thing or two.

“In these difficult economic times, the work of moulding and nurturing our young people has never been more important.

“Education is the fundamental building block in producing a generation that is best prepared to deal with the many challenges that lie ahead.

“The generation we are honouring here this evening must continue, and hopefully finish, the task which we have started in terms of building a diverse and caring society.

“In order for them to face that onerous responsibility, they need to be given the tools to do so and it is in this regard that the work undertaken here and in similar institutions across the North is so crucially important.

Mr McGuinness also welcomed the announcement earlier this year of a new build scheme for the college: “We must also look forward with confidence to the future and I was delighted that earlier this year my Ministerial colleague Cátríona Ruane was able to announce a new build scheme for Dean Maguirc College which will provide a firm foundation on which to build.

“This is great news for this area and its young people. It is a huge vote of confidence in the work that has gone on here over many years and I know will continue for many decades to come.”

Notes to Editors:

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