Tributes paid to founding principal of Ulidia Integrated College, Eugene Martin
Tributes have been paid to the founding principal of Ulidia Integrated College, Mr Eugene Martin, whose life “embodied the values of reconciliation, inclusion and hope”.
Eugene, who retired as headmaster in 2016, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 14.
Born into a Catholic family in west Belfast in 1955, he grew up in the Ardoyne area during the Troubles.
After their home was petrol-bombed in 1969, the family lived temporarily in Ardglass before moving to North Belfast, where Eugene attended St Patrick’s College.
The young Eugene longed to teach and in 1979, he graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree in Mathematics and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from University of Ulster, Coleraine. He later obtained an MA in Educational Management.
He met his wife Moyra Spence, a Protestant, at university and they married on April 1, 1980.
The couple had four children: Lara, Andrew, Nadine and Philip. Keen to show their family that integration begins at home, two of the children were baptised in the Protestant faith, and two in the Catholic faith.
Following posts at Dundonald Girls’ High School and Lagan College, Eugene took on the role of principal of the East Antrim Integrated College, at Whitehead.
The new school had no government backing or funding, and could have been closed after a few months.
But with support from the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, the All Children Together Movement and the Integrated Education Fund, enough money was raised to keep it afloat.
Opening in 1997 with 63 pupils, the school was later renamed Ulidia Integrated College and in 1999 moved its premises to Carrick.
Under Eugene’s management, the school thrived, receiving government backing and finance in the year 2000.
Posting on social media, Ulidia paid tribute to the “exceptional leadership” of the former headmaster. “Mr Martin’s vision, courage and unwavering belief in integrated education helped transform what was once an ambitious dream into the thriving and successful school community that Ulidia Integrated College is today,” the school said.
"Appointed as the College’s founding Principal in 1997, he led the school from its earliest beginnings, when there were no permanent buildings, limited resources and many challenges, inspiring staff, governors, parents and pupils with his determination that integrated education would flourish in East Antrim.
“Through his exceptional leadership, dedication and vision, Ulidia grew from its modest beginnings into one of Northern Ireland’s most respected integrated schools.
"Those who worked with Mr Martin remember not only his professionalism and educational leadership, but also his warmth, compassion, humility and deep commitment to every young person and member of staff in his care. His life embodied the values of reconciliation, inclusion and hope that remain at the heart of the College today.
“As a College family, we mourn the loss of a visionary, inspirational leader and cherished friend. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Moyra, his children, grandchildren and the wider Martin family.”
Many past pupils of Ulidia posted their own tributes to Mr Martin on social media, remembering him as an “amazing principal” who showed a “devotion and unwavering belief in integrated education”.