The Strabane teaching community is in mourning following the news that former St Colman's High School teacher, Willie Breslin, passed away last night (Tuesday November 17), after a lengthy illness. A native of Derry, Mr Breslin arrived at St Colman's in 1963 and for almost 35 years taught history and was an avid promoter of cross-country running and also launched the school chess club, which went on to have great success on a national level.
Mr Breslin was also involved in the Teachers' Trade Union and was an active campaigner for Civil Rights in his native Derry. Former St Colman's colleague Johnny Dooher today paid tribute to Mr Breslin. He said, "Willie was a humble man who had a tremendous rapport with the pupils. He never said a bad word about any student and always saw their value. He always saw the best in his pupils and in people in general."
