Michael O'Horan

Dear Johnnie, Michael and Mark,

Sincere condolences on the recent passing of your beloved dad. He was a wonderful man whom I admired greatly. He had an amazing talent - remarked upon by many - for drawing out the very best of everyone, endlessly supportive and encouraging, with great warmth and good humour underpinned by a really genuine interest in our progress, aims and aspirations wherever they lay.
He was an incredible role model and mentor and inspired me to follow a career in education. He created a wonderful school with a very unique atmosphere, which, with the benefit of hindsight, was an extremely demanding and challenging task. His courage, foresight, dedication and sheer hard work created an environment which prepared us well for life ahead . We were truly blessed to have been in St.Gerard's under his leadership.

On a personal note, I cherish the many happy times I spent in Esker Lodge with you all.

May he rest in peace.

I knew Michael from our studies at UCD back in 1999. What a wonderful man he was. I was often a guest at Curracloe where Michael and Áine were so so kind and generous. My biggest thrill was being brought by Michael for a ride along the beach on his quad bike, a purchase made following the making of “Saving Private Ryan”. Sadly, we had lost touch over the years. I am so saddened to hear that Michael has passed away. My sincere condolences.

Sincere condolence to Michael’s sons and extended family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he Rest in Peace.

Marie and Eimear Fox
Riverglen
Curracloe

My condolences to the O’Horan family. Michael was a man of great presence and stature, the quintessential Headmaster. I also remember him as a fine English teacher, who encouraged creative writing and deep thought in me and so many others through the years. May he rest in peace.

Please accept my deepest sympathy .
Michael taught with my late husband, John in Willow Park many years ago. They remained friends.

Deepest condolences to Johnny, Mike and Mark. Your Mum and Dad were so kind to me and all the other new recruits that carried their bags into the dorms, way back in 1973. Their smiles and kind words cheered up many pupils but particularly the boarders, who were many miles from home. Michael provided me with encouragement throughout my education at St Gerard's and the years that followed. As one of my classmates already commented, he was an inspirational English teacher and he greatly influenced the minds of those that had the good fortune to be in that classroom. He will live long in the memories of many.

A huge figure in the minds of very many. It is lovely to see here the names of teachers from the 1970's, legends in their own right, speaking so highly of him.

Deepest sympathy to the O'Horan family.

Dear Johnny, Michael and Mark,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies at the passing of your dear Dad, Headmaster to us all and a true, great friend to my father. Your father, The Boss, touched so many lives and his kindness, integrity and commitment to excellence impacted legions of students during his tenure at St. Gerard's. Sending peace, strength and courage to you guys and all the extended family.

Sincere condolences to Johnny, Mike and Mark and the wider family. The Boss was held in such affection by the school community and alumnae, the messages posted here and elsewhere online are a real tribute to the man, everything he contributed to the development of St Gerards and to all of us who graduated through its ranks under his stewardship - his continuing legacy. RIP.

Our deepest sympathies to Johnny, Michael & Mark.
Your father was a wonderful Headmaster, Teacher & the most kind & caring person.
He created an environment of enjoyment for all his pupils, where everyone achieved their true potential.
He will always be remembered & appreciated by us.
Rest in peace.

Dear Johnny, Michael and Mark,

My poem Growing Down, for your wonderful father.


Growing Down

We walk in silence now
Where birds sleep and owls make up their minds
Where all is said between us
And the game of life decides

We walk in silence now
Where night is day and the rain of life cries
Where finding you wakes new beginning
And the child trying, dies.

We walk in silence now
Where memory of union soothes
Where the hunger of love sighs, finds breath and climbs
And wonder blinds stars

Johnny Michael and Mark along with all the condolences please except mine. I can't better all the accolades which you have received but to endorse the tributes to your Dad. A fabulous individual and the likes of which I doubt I will ever encounter in my lifetime again. All of us owe him a huge debt. Harbouring great memories of The Boss I wish you all solace and peace and RIP The legend.

Very sad to hear of the loss of this great Educator to both myself and our five children. Privileged to be present at his send off , Deepest sympathy to all his family . The Boss set us straight .

Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the all of the O'Horan family on learning of your sad loss.
Micheal O Horan was such an important figure in all of our early life's. He pocessed the rarest of qualities in his being able to see the potential in each of the students who attended the school and he left no stone unturned in creating an environment that helped to realise that potential.
He was forever kind and generous of spirit, a truly noble man. He will be missed greatly.
The Mullan family, Mark, Stephanie, Adam and Gary.

Sincere condolences to Michael's family . Michael was a true gentleman and very forward thinking in his vision of education. A most kind and genuine man with a keen sense of humour. He will always be remembered fondly by those of us lucky enough to have worked with him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

My deepest sympathies to Michael’s family..He was a great friend to my late father Joe Mac - the St Gerard’s gang.
A lovely man. May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to all Michael's family he was a true gentleman we will miss him the the supermarket in Curracle

My deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of a wonderful man . RIP

John, Michael and Mark, my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. He touched many lives and influenced so many students who passed through St. Gerard's. Always direct but understanding even if caught in the wrong! He will always live long in the memories of the St. Gerard's community. May he rest in peace.

I wish to express my condolences to the family of Mr. O’Horan. He was my history teacher in Willow Park and he gave me a love and appreciation of history. I have fond memories of a great teacher.

My deepest sympathies to Mark and all the family. Mr O’Horan knew all of us individually; it is like the end of an era to hear of his passing but I will always think of him fondly.

I am saddened to hear the news and would like to offer condolences to the O’Horan family. I’d like to add my voice to the many tributes full of the affection and gratitude that endures for ‘the Boss’. Memor.

What a dignified and appropriate farewell to Michael today , as the sun shone down on his beloved Curracloe. The messages from parents, staff , friends & pupils say it all - kind, caring,, loving , fair, a great educator , leader and a fine athlete. His athleticism and love of sport was reflected in
the school program- all pupils participated in a sport every day , some reaching the top and representing their country
- his pupils were his pride & joy ( whether they played for Ireland or not )
Gone but NEVER forgotten -
‘MOH THE Boss ‘

My sincerest sympathies and condolences to all of Mr O’Horan’s family and friends. Mr O’Horan was an absolute gentleman, who cared deeply about his students. I have only fond memories of him both as our headmaster for one year, and then his time supporting us on the rugby & hockey fields, and in our studies during prep. I’ve particularly fond memories of him taking us to Westport in Transition Year. May he Rest In Peace. Michael Barton (Class of 2003)

Johnny, Michael & Mark,
We send our sincere condolences to you and your families on Michael’s death. We all have our different , personal memories of Michael over many years, all of them warm and happy.
May he rest in peace

My deepest sympathy to Michael's family on your great loss. Michael appointed me to the teaching staff of St. Gerard's school in 1993. I have many great memories of Michael's excellent leadership, integrity, friendship and unfailing sense of fun. May you now rest in well deserved peace, dear Michael.
Catherine

Sincere sympathy to the O Horan family on the sad passing of Michael . He was a excellent Headmaster,a great colleague and a true gentleman. May he rest in peace.

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Michael. I have so many happy memories of him both in school and on a personal level. He was one of life's true gentlemen. I still have a huge polar bear teddy he gave me for my 1st birthday. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten and you should be so proud of the legacy he has left. RIP to a true legend.

Sending my sincere sympathy to the O’Horan family. Michael was a wonderful headmaster and very dedicated to bringing out the best in all his pupils .
As a teacher there in the early’70’s and ‘80’s it’s wonderful to see how the school has expanded and become the well renowned school it is now. Michael can certainly take a lot of the credit for that.
May he rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the O’Horan family. We have so many fond memories of our time in Gerard’s, so much of which was down to the influence and leadership of Mr O'Horan. He instilled so much trust and had a unique ability to make each of us feel special and important. He truly was an inspirational and amazing headmaster. May he rest in peace.

Condolences to the OHoran family on the death of your father a true gentleman RIP Michael

As a family we got to know Michael well during the 80’s and 90’s when our children were in St Gerard’s. He was the perfect gentleman who always had the best interests of his students at heart.
Our sincere condolences to the O’Horan family.
Rest in peace Michael.

Very sad to hear the news that Mr O'Horan. the boss as we affectionately referred to him has passed, he was a very fair and kind hearted man, I still remember him taking me aside as a twelve year old who had difficulty setting into boarding school, in the 70s
Rest in peace

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael O'Horan.

Mr O'Horan was one of life's true gentlemen. As our headmaster, I remember him as being very fair and, although understandably strict, he also appreciated some fun in school.

He was an inspiring person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him in St Gerard's.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam

Condolence to Michaels family.May he Rest In Peace.

Deepest condolences to the O’Horan family at this very sad time. Mr O’Horan was a true gentleman; a kind, fair and highly respected headmaster who had a hugely positive influence on the pupils of St Gerard’s. We were lucky to have him at the helm. He was, and always will be, The Boss.

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Michael O’Horan. He was absolutely the spirit of St Gerard’s when I was there in the 70’s/80’s and he was still an inspirational teacher when my older children were there many years later. I remember him saying that he loved to talk with the children in the Junior School, when asked who they thought he was, the answers varied from the man who helped people park, to the man who showed you where to sit in the canteen. They were right, he was always a very visible presence in the school. He joked how in the early days of his time in St Gerard’s two little boys were sent from abroad to board. On their first trip to the canteen the elder turned to the Boss,and to Michael’s amusement asked for “a table for two please”!
Michael was a very wise man. He not only taught us what he had to teach us, but also what we needed to learn. We were very lucky to have had such a progressive, decent man at the helm, I’ll never forget him. Sincere condolences to Johnny, Michael, Mark and all his family.

Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a Anam

I am so sad to hear the passing of Mr. O'Horan - he was a very special person and I will fondly remember his kindness, wisdom and smile that could light up a room. Reading through these lovely messages there is no doubt that Michael's contribution, commitment & impact will live on through many people and the walls of St. Gerard's for many years to come. RIP Mr. O'Horan - sending our thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends.

So sorry to hear the sad news. Michael was true gentleman May his gentle soul rest in peace.fondly remembered by my Sons Parry and Ciaran

On behalf of the St. Gerard’s School Community, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to all of Michael’s family and friends.

Michael was an inspirational and revered Headmaster from 1971 – 1998, who was genuinely loved by his students, colleagues and parents.

During Michael’s 27-year tenure as Headmaster, he transformed St. Gerard’s School by creating our Senior School in 1973, introducing girls into our school community, and by re-invigorated our Junior School with immense fortitude, vision and courage. Michael has left an enduring legacy on the lives of generations of students here in St. Gerard’s School.

“Constant change is here to stay” was a mantra which Michael led by and which sculptured his unique contribution to St. Gerard’s School. “The Boss” was simply a legend.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann!

To Johnny ,Michael and Mark so sorry to hear about your Dads passing..Although a daunting figure who could be very strict and scary at times he was a hugely positive influence on my life. A great man who not only developed St Gerards as a whole from a small prep school into one of the most sought after schools in the country he was also a kind and compassionate man who always found time for the individual . May he rest in peace

CONDOLENCE to Johnny Michael and Mark on the passing of father rip

We are so sorry to hear the sad news - big hugs to all. It seems like the end of an era - one filled with lots of great and happy memories. I think mum spent about 25 yrs driving up and down to the school so it felt like a second home to us. Yr dad will live on with the next generations in St Gerards All the best from the OHalloran family

Very sad to hear the news about Mr O'Horan. Thank you for your patience and kindness while I was a pupil. Rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr O’Horan. He was a wonderful headmaster and a true gentleman who deeply enriched our time in St Gerard’s. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to the O’Horan Family. Mr.O’Horan welcomed me to Gerards as a young man from abroad and watch over me as a boarder. I will never forget his charm, candidness and humour. He truly was one of the greats and I will never forget him.
Rest In Peace Mr.O’Horan.
-Moe

Sincere condolences to the O’Horan family on the death of Mr. O’Horan. A true gentleman, kind but authoritative and a great role model. May he rest in peace.

My sympathies to all of Mr O’Horan’s family & friends. His kind, wise & good-humoured demeanour brightened the lives of countless children and parents. He was the spirit of St Gerards. I feel lucky to have known him even a little. May happy memories & shared stories offer some comfort to his loved ones through this tough time. A great life lived.

Sincere condolences to Johnny, Michael and Mark on your dad’s passing. He was a positive influence on all our lives. He and our dad John worked together over four decades, first in Willow Park in the 1960s and subsequently in St Gerards (1975-99). We have very fond memories of our days as students in St Gerards with Mr O’Horan as our headmaster and will always be grateful for the many opportunities to develop as well rounded individuals which St Gerards provided under his leadership. May he rest in peace.

So sad to hear this news and my sincerest condolences to Johnny, Mike and Mark. A wonderful headmaster, a kind and caring man who was always encouraging and supportive. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to all the O’Horan family. Michael was headmaster and teacher for my 14 years in the school. He was such a wonderful headmaster. He dedicated so many years leading the school to what it is today. A wonderful leader yet humble & kind. He created a very happy school environment for students & teachers. He was loved by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Michael

Johnny Mike and Mark , so so sad to hear of the passing of your Dad , the “ Boss” , Mr. O’ Horan . Myself and my siblings have the fondest of memories of him in St, Gerards . He was a great teacher and even better principal . He leaves behind an unbelievable legacy. A great sportsman to boot and a true gentleman .May he rest in peace . Sincerest condolences to you all and extended family .

My deepest condolences to the o Horan family. Michael was a wonderful kind person and a true gentleman.May he rest in peace.I am very sorry for your loss,

My sincere condolences to Mr O’Horan’s family at this time. He personified the ultimate headmaster, interested, humorous and identifying the strengths of each individual student. His legacy is far-reaching and timeless. RIP Sir.

My deepest sympathies to the O’Horan family. As a former student of St. Gerard’s I have great memories. Michael was a great leader, a very kind and approachable person, always there for the students. May he rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to you all. Michael was a wonderful person, a gentle man and a gentleman. He touched so many peoples lives with his positivity, sincerity and good humour. I am very sorry for your loss, Katie Magee, St.Gerard's.

My Deepest Condolences to you all. The Boss may be gone but he will not be forgotten by those whose lives he touched. I count myself fortunate to be one of them.
May He Rest In Peace.

My deepest sympathies to the O’Horan family. As a student of St. Gerard’s I have great memories, Michael was a great leader, a very kind and approachable person, always there for the students. May he rest in peace.

Dear Jonny, Michael and Marky,

My sincere condolences to you boys and all your family on the passing of your dear Dad.
May The Boss rest in peace now.

Best wishes,

Marc

My sincere condolences to the O'Horan family. Michael was a progressive and visionary giant who endeared himself to us all. He and Angela Deveraux (art teacher) made a huge impact on my life as they channelled my passion for art when there were few career opportunities in art at that time. Above all else I think Michael excelled at listening to people. He was also kind and fair with a twinkle in his eye! He sometimes had to appear strict but this was all a front to ensure we obeyed the rules. I had no idea how progressive he was until many years later but I feel honoured and lucky to have known him and been in St.Gerards in the 1970s. There are some teachers who stand out above all the rest. Michael was one of them.