It has been another sad week in school with the passing of Kevin Mallon. Coming soon after Michael Cullen, who died in October, it has emphasised the frailty of life and the certainty of death.
It is upsetting too in another way that Kevin has gone too early, no man took better care of his diet, exercise and everything involved with a healthy lifestyle.
Kevin Mallon was a Teacher of English and Geography from 1979 until his retirement in 2017. His latter years were almost exclusively teaching English where his passion for the subject, his precise use of language, his attention to detail and his meticulous preparation made him an outstanding Teacher. He did not need to raise his voice and his classes were a quiet haven of learning where no word was allowed to be used out of place.
Kevin`s dedication to the job and his devotion to his students was reflected in his incredible attendance record, no day missed in 39 years. The world could fall apart, storms and tempests could take place and there were times of snow and ice but there was one certainty, Kevin Mallon would find a way to get from his home in Dublin to Navan. He had those old fashioned values, honesty of effort and dedication to his students.
As a colleague Kevin was valued friend to all and there were plenty of Teachers who went to him for his wise counsel. He gave his time to others willingly, he was courteous, friendly, trusted and above all discreet.
There were also plenty of other dimensions to his life, for every school event he was the MC, nobody could touch his mastery of all occasions. And of course he was the voice of local radio for many years as he commentated on all the big GAA games. His passion for Meath shone through and of course there was also a personal interest, some of these young men who wore green and gold had passed through his classroom.
Yet for all that he was a private man who was completely comfortable in his own company. He did not need or seek acclaim in any way. On his last day in school he came in to my office and said he was retiring. I asked him could I tell the rest of the staff and he said, “sure, but wait until I am gone”. That was him, no fuss, no fanfare, a quiet exit after 39 years.
The public persona of Kevin Mallon was of Teacher, broadcaster, writer, researcher. In private he was the family man to his wife Patricia, son Killian and daughter Megan. To them he was a loving husband and father and they are devastated by his passing.
From everyone in St Patrick`s Classical School, where Kevin was such a wonderful, calm presence, we send our heartfelt condolences.
Colm O Rourke
Principal
