Brian Hanna hangs up his boots

Mr Kyle McCallan MBE and Miss Vanessa Surgeoner,

With the departure of Julie Hinds at the start of this academic year, the school has now appointed a new-look Physical Education Department.

Kyle McCallan MBE, currently Head of Sports Studies at Grosvenor Grammar School and 48 times captain of the Ireland cricket team, will lead the Department and oversee the development of rugby throughout the school.

He will be ably assisted by Vanessa Surgeoner, a PGCE student and current Irish international hockey player, who will seek to build on the College girls’ recent success at Ulster and Irish level.

Trevor Robinson, Headmaster of the College, is very excited by the potential contribution of the school’s new recruits,

He said: “I am very pleased that the school is able to attract teachers of the calibre of Kyle and Vanessa who will bring a wealth of experience having played sport at the very highest level; they will undoubtedly inspire young Lurgan College pupils for generations to come.”

As the new generation come in to take the reins Brian will leave Lurgan College with many fonds memories.

“I have taught for 40 years, 37 of those at Lurgan College and I will miss it a great deal,” he said.

“I have seen many changes in both education and sport within the school in that time and have had the pleasure of seeing many talented sportsmen come through the ranks including international crickets like Gary Kidd who was called up to Ireland when he was still at school.”

Although the final day of term is fast approaching, Mr Hanna won’t be bowing out straight away.

“It will be a sad occasion for me when I finish but I’m leaving on an 18-day tour to South Africa with the rugby team so that will get my retirement off to a good start.

“I will miss it terribly, I will miss the company of the staff and pupils and the craic on Saturdays with the teams.

“My wife has been very patient with me being away every Saturday so it will be nice to spent time travelling with her and spending time with our grandchildren.

“I have some amazing memories but the time is right to move on.”