Jarlath McElholm is retiring after almost 25 years as principal of Sacred Heart Primary School in Tattyreagh, County Tyrone.

He started in September 2001. On his first day, police alerted the school to a potential explosive device at a Sacred Heart school during the Holy Cross dispute in north Belfast. McElholm searched the premises but no device was found.

Before becoming principal, McElholm spent a decade teaching at Holy Family Primary School in Omagh. He had originally planned to work abroad, accepting a job in Kuwait in 1990, but the Iraqi invasion and Gulf War prevented the move.

McElholm studied Drama and English at St Mary’s University College in Belfast. Teaching ran in his family, with his father and uncle both in the profession.

Under his leadership, Sacred Heart Primary School underwent a £400,000 expansion, creating additional classrooms and office space.

McElholm said he plans to take a break until Christmas and then consider opportunities that avoid stress.