The sudden death of Terry Cunningham, head of the chemistry department in Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch, illustrated just how many lives a teacher can touch.
In a social media post, the school said: “Dr Cunningham was loved by so many. Terry was a true gentleman who inspired both students and staff throughout his 15 years in Assumption Grammar School. His contribution to school life went far beyond the chemistry classroom as he recently led our girls to an all-Ireland final in camogie as well as leading our annual ski trip for so many years. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
Another post read: “It’s hard to put into words what Terry meant to Assumption. He was a great teacher but will be most fondly remembered by both pupils and staff for all his extra-curricular involvement: backstage at productions and concerts, performing in the annual staff pantomime, by the side of the camogie pitch, and of course leading the annual ski trip. His easy-going manner made doing all of this seem easy and his enthusiasm for everything has inspired so many pupils and staff.”
Brought up in Ballycastle, Terry was the youngest of five children of Dan and Josie Cunningham (née O’Callaghan). He was immensely proud of his parents’ Down and Armagh roots and loved the summer holidays he spent there. A love so great that it was where he would eventually set up home.
It was at Cross and Passion College that he developed his love for science, and chemistry in particular. But while there can be no doubt that he approached study with his own characteristic determination, it has to be said that he loved the ‘craic’ too and there was always a fair bit of carry on when Terry was in the classroom. His witty comments would stand him in great stead as a teacher.
Like many before him, Terry was introduced to hurling through the famed Ballycastle under-age street leagues. Played in both a league and cup format, his home street Knocklayde View swept all in front of them.
His passion for hurling would last a lifetime, and Terry would play an integral part in Ballycastle McQuillan teams in a range of competitions. When he moved to Leitrim, he would win Down intermediate championships with the Fontenony club and was an underage hurling/camogie coach, known for keeping copious notes on opposition teams and players.
Terry’s chemistry mentor at Cross and Passion, the late Dr Theo Laverty, also introduced him to the ranks of Ballycastle United Football Club, and the pupil and teacher combination would from part of a formidable defence. Neighbouring club Armoy United were quick to spot his potential and he enjoyed a part-season playing in the Irish Intermediate league before heading off to university in Liverpool.
Terry attained several prestigious awards during study for his chemistry degree and PhD. And it was during a placement year with ICI Runcorn that he would meet his future wife Julie at a parish St Patrick’s Day event.
Moving back to Ireland, he took up teaching positions in Our Lady and St Patrick’s, Knock and St Michael’s, Lurgan before joining Assumption Grammar.
A dedicated teacher who put his students at the centre of everything he did, he knew the value of extra-curricular activities. He was a constant on the sideline for the school camogie teams, capturing three Ulster titles last year and reaching two all-Ireland finals.
A skilled skier, he also loved leading the annual school trips to the slopes. Past pupils recount so many happy memories of ‘Dr C’ or ‘Ski Dad’ and in later years, much to his family’s amusement, he developed a proficiency in ‘snowboarding’.
An avid supporter and regular participant in Castlewellan Forest parkrun, Terry also encouraged young hurling and camogie players and skiers to join as means of regular exercise.
A proud and devoted family man, his wife Julie and their children Eve, Mollie and Daniel meant everything to him. There was never a conversation where he didn’t mention them.
Terry Cunningham was 55 when he passed away on July 1. He is survived and sadly missed by his wife, children, sisters Mary, Bernadette and Catherine and brother Donal.
The Assumption school community will take part in a parkrun/walk at Castlewellan Forest Park in his memory at 9.30am today, with donations being gathered for Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke.