'Heartbroken' members of Dublin primary school pay tribute to principal after unexpected passing

James Docherty had been the principal of Willow Park School since June 2016

The “heartbroken” members of a primary school in Dublin have paid tribute to their principal after his sudden passing.

James Docherty, who is survived by his wife and young family, had been the principal of Willow Park School in the capital since June 2016, Dublin Live reports.

The beloved principal previously served as a teacher at the school, which shares grounds with Blackrock College.

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James’ school shared the tragic news of his passing on its website on Saturday. They wrote: "We are heartbroken to share with you the news of the unexpected passing of our beloved and devoted Principal James. Our thoughts and love are with his loving wife and cherished family.

"Words cannot express grief at times like this. James was the kindest of men and tried to solve everyone’s problems. James will forever have a massive place in the heart of Willow Park. May his journey ahead bring him peace."

Docherty graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1999 with a Bachelor of Education in primary school teaching.

He also held an EAL and assisted Multilingual learners in integrating into mainstream education a Higher Diploma from the University of Paisley and a Masters in leadership and management in education from Trinity College, Dublin.

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