The death of Mrs Helen McClenaghan who died on Thursday afternoon (June 4), has evoked tributes from two church related education bodies – the Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) and the Church of Ireland General Synod Board of Education (Northern Ireland).
The Transferor Representatives’ Council represents the educational interests, in Northern Ireland, of the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland.
The Chair of the TRC, Miss Rosemary Rainey OBE, remarked: ‘I have known Helen McClenaghan for many years as a person of integrity, faith and professionalism. She was a highly respected educationalist who had shown wise leadership, especially during her time as Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Education and Library Board.
‘Her knowledge, experience and insight, her resilience, her sterling service and contribution to the field of education and her concern for people were legendary. She was never too busy to make time for people and their problems, as a mentor inspiring and influencing many during her lifetime both within education and the women’s sector. She will be greatly missed by all who knew, admired and worked with her.
‘Although only a recent appointment to the TRC, she, as always, made a huge contribution to discussion, debate and decision–making. We regret her passing and extend our deepest sympathy on their loss to her husband Stephen, daughter Frances, and the whole family circle, while assuring them of our prayerful support at this time.
‘We thank God for Helen’s life of service, her dedication and commitment, her wise counsel and her genuine sincere friendship. She is now at peace and “with Christ, which is far better,” (Philippians 1:23) and in that we rejoice.’
Bishop Ken Good, who worked closely with Mrs McClenaghan while chairing the Board of Education, remarked: ‘Helen McClenaghan’s contribution to education in Northern Ireland has been quite exceptional. Her influential work as Chief Executive of the Southern Education and Library Board was widely admired and respected. Both before and after her retirement, she was particularly generous to the Church of Ireland with her time and expertise, serving on diocesan and central Church boards of education and other committees. I greatly valued and appreciated her constructive wisdom, her clarity of mind, her spiritual perspective and her good–natured humour. I extend my sympathy to Helen’s husband, Stephen, their daughter, Frances, and to her wider family circle.’
The Archbishop of Armagh and Chairman of the Board of Education, the Most Revd John McDowell, said: ‘With the death of Helen McClenaghan, the education sector and the Church of Ireland have lost a great critical friend and source of encouragement. Helen has been at the centre of education policy and practice for many years, and shared her enthusiasm and knowledge with a very characteristic directness and verve. I join with all those who knew and worked with Helen in offering my personal sympathies to those who are most sorely bereaved of her.’
Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to the Board of Education, said: ‘Helen’s wisdom and knowledge of education in Northern Ireland was unsurpassed. She will be sadly missed by all members of the Board of Education. Her energy and drive to improve and enrich schools for young people was an inspiration to us all.’
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