Newtownabbey principal thanked for ‘tireless devotion’ after ending school year with an MBE
A rugby and angling loving Newtownabbey school principal has been hailed for his “tireless devotion” to the community after being awarded an MBE.
Stephen Mulligan, co-head of Mossley Primary School, was named in the King’s Birthday Honours list for services to education.
Mr Mulligan, who has strong links to the Portadown area, has worked at a number of locations in the province during his career.
He was educated in Edenderry PS and then Portadown College, where he developed his passion for all things related to sport, particularly rugby where he played for the 1st XV. Revealing he “hopes to attend the Rugby World Cup in person someday” he admits even in his sixties, he “still misses” playing the game.
He has coached many successful teams over the years and many past pupils have gone on to achieve in sport and in other areas of life. Stephen says he takes “great enjoyment and pride in hearing about their accomplishments”.
Attaining his teaching degree at Stranmillis College, Belfast, Mr Mulligan then undertook a Masters Degree at Queen’s University Belfast. He also trained as an outdoor pursuits instructor and a mountain leader.
Commencing teaching at Cairnshill Primary School, Belfast, in 1984, he then became vice-principal at the Birches, Portadown, in 1988 and two years later was appointed principal at Dundrod Primary School. He moved to Seagoe Primary School in 1992 to take up the principalship and since 1988 has been head at Mossley PS.
Busy Year
Reflecting on his career, Stephen said he “has loved his time in all of these schools”. At Mossley, he continued, the people within the school and surrounding community have been his “heart for over 26 years now”.
He semi-retired two years ago and then went back full time to support a small school in Balnamore, Co Antrim. “A busy year assisting in the running of two schools but incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Mr Mulligan has also led a number of school leadership courses for training centres and the Education Authority over the years.
A very close family man, Stephen has two daughters. Emma is in Australia and Rebekah lives more locally. He spends a lot of time at the weekends and holidays with extended family and friends.
Married to Kim Mulligan, principal of Ballyclare Primary School, both “love their jobs and have counted it a privilege to have worked with so many parents, pupils and talented staff and governors over their careers”. They celebrated 60 years collectively as principals at the end of February this year.
Stephen also has “a strong faith in God” and has spent his career and life sharing that with many. He attends Hope Church in Hillsborough when he is at home and Christchurch Castlerock when he is away at the weekend. He has had many roles with children and young people over the years in church as well as being a deacon.
A passionate reader, Stephen is also a keen fisherman when time permits in the summer and he loves walking in the Mournes and by the coast.
Following the award announcement, colleagues at Mossley PS extended their congratulations: “We are extremely proud of Mr Mulligan on receiving this well-deserved honour that recognises the positive impact he has made, through his tireless work and devotion, to the children and families in our community.”