I was asked recently, “Why would you want to leave an all-girls’ grammar school situated in the beautiful countryside of County Down?” My response was immediate and instinctive, “I am going home!” You see, I am a College man through and through. A long time ago I was a pupil at St Malachy’s. Years later I returned to my alma mater as Head of Music to work closely with Fr Magee, as we travelled on an incredible journey to maintain and develop further the musical excellence previously established by Fr McMullan and Mrs Mallon. I have spent fourteen years away, firstly as Vice Principal and then Principal of Assumption Grammar School. Now I am ready to return to the College again, this time as Principal and as such, a custodian of the great College traditions and values. It is my duty to build on the legacy of my predecessors, and continue in the direction set by Mr Lambon, to steer us further in the aim of always outperforming our previous best and being outstanding in everything we do! I understand exactly what it means to be a College pupil and teacher. A true Malachian is loyal to himself, his College and his badge – “Gloria Ab Intus!” See you soon!
Mr P. McBride.