SAM MCCLURE: Sam McClure, who has died aged 71, was a former headmaster of Kilkenny College having previously taught for 28 years at Newtown School, Waterford.
It was largely through his energy and drive that Kilkenny College became one of Ireland's foremost schools. He was born in Randalstown, Co Antrim, in 1931 and was educated at Rainey Endowed High School and at Sandford Park, Dublin. In 1948 he enrolled as a medical student at Trinity College, Dublin, but at the end of his first year decided to switch to a BA course.
This decision resulted in the loss of his tuition fees because he had been sponsored to study medicine. He supported himself, teaching at Wilson's Hospital, Multyfarnham, and at Morgan's School, Castleknock, while studying as an extern student. He was awarded a BA degree in 1955 and proceeded to the degree of MA in 1966.
In 1951 he joined the staff of Newtown School, where he taught geography. A rugby enthusiast, he coached schools teams and regularly lined out for Waterford RFC. He involved himself in the political and commercial life of the community. A member of the junior chamber, he stood as an independent candidate in the local elections of 1967 and was elected an alderman of Waterford Corporation.
In 1979 he was appointed headmaster of Kilkenny College in succession to Gilbert Colton. The school, a Church of Ireland co-educational boarding and day school, was founded in 1538 and in 1973 was amalgamated with the Collegiate School, Celbridge. Its premises, built in 1782, were at John Street, Kilkenny.
Sam McClure and his family took up residence in the school, redecorating much of the building, and eventually moved out of the headmaster's quarters to make room for extra dormitory accommodation.
A fire in 1980 left the school building - particularly the roof - badly damaged, and the pupils were boarded out temporarily in St Kieran's College. Sam McClure oversaw the repair to the building, which had been further damaged by dry rot.
He next turned his attention to the construction of the McAdoo Hall at Celbridge House on the outskirts of Kilkenny in 1981. This multi-purpose building was built with the financial support of the parishes of the diocese. The need for a new school building was becoming clear as pupil numbers grew steadily. Sam McClure lobbied local politicians and the Department of Education to secure the necessary funding. The purchase of extra land at Celbridge House brought the project closer to realisation.
It was Sam McClure's idea that the first sod should be turned by the school's youngest pupil and in 1985 the building was completed. Consisting of a complete classroom block, sports hall complex, playing fields, kitchen and dining hall, the new school marked the beginning of a new era for Kilkenny College.
Sam McClure initiated the "11-day fortnight" for pupils, arranging for them to travel home at least once every two weeks so that they could maintain close family links. And he discreetly raised funds to enable pupils, who otherwise could not have afforded it, to complete their secondary education.
He was always open to new ideas, visiting other schools to see if any of their methods could be applied usefully to Kilkenny College. He ensured that the school catered for a wide range of sports. Further buildings were added before his retirement in 1996 to cater for the three-fold increase in pupils since his appointment. The building that houses the art department was named in his honour.
Small in stature though he was, he possessed an immense strength of character and a firmness of purpose that were not easily denied in the pursuit of anything he considered was in the school's interest. He worked closely with the college board and staff, and was a good friend to pupils.
In retirement he was elected to the Church of Ireland diocesan and general synods. He was also active in the Samaritans and the Rotary Club, and was a founder member of Probus, an organisation for retired people. He took up golf and bridge, and devoted himself to his family. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, son Roger, and daughters Shirley and Rhona.
Sam McClure: born, 1931; died, February 2nd, 2003