Tributes have been pouring in for a much-loved ex-school principal in Nothern Ireland following his sudden death while abroad.
Stephen Connolly, the past headmaster of Bangor Grammar School in Co. Down and a former English teacher at Belfast Royal Academy, passed away while on holiday in Switzerland.
Staff, parents, and friends of both schools have been sharing warm tributes online since news of his tragic death was confirmed on Wednesday.
READ MORE: Newtownards aircraft tragedy: One of two victims killed in plane crash named locally
Mr Connolly, form Derry, attended Foyle College where his father was headmaster and his mother was a teacher.
He worked in education for almost 40 years before he retired in 2014, and is survived by his wife Jane and son Edward.
In a statement on its social media page, Belfast Royal Academy paid tribute to "an inspirational teacher, and a true gentleman".
"The school community is immensely saddened by the news of the sudden passing of our esteemed former colleague Mr Stephen Connolly whilst on holiday in Switzerland.
"Stephen was appointed by Headmaster Louis Lord as a teacher of English in 1975 and proved to be a first-rate practitioner who inspired pupils of all ages and abilities. He became Head of Department and provided exceptional leadership and vision for his colleagues.
"This was also reflected in his appointment as a Senior Teacher, a role in which he had wide and varied responsibilities, including mentor for Student Teachers and Head of Middle School.
"Stephen recognised the importance of extra-curricular activities, as demonstrated through his coaching of cricket and for having produced the Senior School play for 25 years.
"He was appointed to the position of Headmaster of Bangor Grammar School in 2001, but retained his close connections with the Academy as his wife Jane was the Head of the Religious Studies Department until her retirement.
"The entire school community extends our deepest sympathies to our dear colleague and friend Jane and the whole Connolly family.
"We have lost an inspirational teacher, a loyal and dedicated colleague, and a true gentleman who embodied all of the best qualities in human nature.
"To the world you were just a teacher, but to your pupils, you were the world."
Mr Connolly's successor as Principal of Bangor Grammar, Elizabeth Huddleson, tweeted: "It is with the saddest heart that I share the news of the sudden passing of Stephen Connolly, previous Headmaster of BGS.
"A warm, caring, kind and wise man, instrumental in reshaping the school into the positive, vibrant and caring place it is today. He will be sorely missed."
Stormont's former Education Minister and DUP MLA Peter Weir, also paid tribute saying: "Very sad news to learn of the passing of Stephen Connolly, former Principal of Bangor Grammar.
"He gave outstanding leadership not simply to the school, particularly in achieving and steering the new build, but also to the wider educational community, He was a warm, intelligent, caring and thoughtful man who will be sadly missed."
The party's North Down MLA Stephen Dunne added: "Very sad news on the passing of Mr Stephen Connolly, long time principal of @BangorGrammar.
"Mr Connolly helped transform BGS and was hugely passionate about everything he took an interest in and was always a gentleman. Thoughts and prayers with his family."
Alliance Party deputy leader and North Down Stephen Farry said: “This is very sad news. Stephen was widely respected, and will be fondly remembered by so many past pupils of Bangor Grammar.”
READ NEXT:
Samsung ad branded 'tone deaf' in wake of Ashling Murphy killing 'not irresponsible', watchdog finds
Met Eireann give chance on edge of UK's 40C heat reaching Ireland as dry and sunny spells remain
Stacey Solomon opens her pool into 'village lido' as heatwave closes local schools
Solar storm warning as ‘chaotic’ space weather set for ‘direct hit’ with Earth amid blackout fears
Irish farmer builds 40 foot hay pool for neighbours to cool down during hot weather
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
