‘Most respected’ teacher retires

In his address on Thursday evening, principal Kieran Mulvenna spoke of the high regard in which Mr Graham, who retired at the end of August after 33 years service to the school, was held by colleagues.

Mr Mulvenna stated: “If I were to detail your contribution to Carrickfergus Grammar School, Osy, my speech would be considerably longer than last year’s, not shorter. I could dwell on the fact that you have taught six subjects to GCSE and three to A-level, that you played the key role in introducing computing to the school, that your tireless quest for school improvement brought thousands upon thousands of pounds to us for projects which only ever had one thing at their heart, the pupils.

“I could try to explain how manfully you led us through all the twists and turns of the revised curriculum. But none of that would really cover it. Osy, you are quite simply one of the most respected, most knowledgeable and expert professionals that I have ever had the privilege of working with, and I wish you, we all wish you health and happiness in the years ahead.”

The headmaster also acknowledged the contribution of two other long-standing colleagues, Lynn Ferris from the Mathematics department and Allan Nicholl, from the Technology department.