Our Team

Leadership Team

Mr. Pat Barry, Principal

My name is Pat Barry and I am the proud Principal and leader of learning in our progressive Community School.  I began my role as Principal in 2018.  Previous to this I was Deputy Principal in another Cork city school for four years.  Prior to this I taught Materials Technology (wood) and Construction Studies for 12 years.  During my teaching career I also fulfilled the role of Year Head.  I am the holder of an Honours teaching degree from the University of Limerick, an Honours Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from the National University of Ireland Maynooth and an Honours Masters in Education from University College Cork.  I believe in lifelong learning in both my personal and professional life.  I bring my experience from working in other schools as well as my theoretical knowledge to DCS to enhance this community even further.

On a personal note, I have children, two finished with second level education and two who will be entering second level education very soon. Firstly, I am a parent and also Principal of DCS.  I understand parents want the best for their children. We all want our children to succeed, be happy and develop in their learning environment.  I want my children to be challenged, get involved in school life and diligently apply themselves to their school work.  As a parent I have high expectations of my children's school and I use this personal insight to best serve our school community.

Mr. Chris Hickey, Deputy Principal

My name is Chris Hickey and I am the Deputy Principal of Douglas Community School, a position I have held for the last 11 years. Prior to that I taught English and Geography both in DCS and in a number of schools in Ireland and England. I am a graduate of UCC obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, a Higher Diploma in Education and a Masters in Education. 

Throughout my career I have been committed to a student centred approach to education firmly believing that the holistic development of our students is at the core of what we do as educators. I have taught in various types of schools and find the collaborative ethos of a Community School to be ideally placed to ensure that students achieve and realise their full potential.

Ms. Ber Clarson, Year Head

My name is Ber Clarson and I have been a full time teacher in Douglas Community School since 1997. I currently teach Chemistry, Science and Maths. Prior to taking on the role of Chemistry teacher I also taught Biology. I have been a Year Head since 2011. I achieved my Science degree in NUI Maynooth and followed that up with a Graduate Diploma in Food Science & technology from DIT, Kevin Street. I worked in the food industry for a number of years before enrolling in UCC to do the Higher Diploma in teaching in 1994. I had spent some time teaching part time and realised, quite by accident, that I was happiest and most fulfilled in the classroom. I completed my Masters in Science Education (Hons) in UCC in 2004.

I engage regularly in continuous professional development to try and keep up with the increasingly rapid changes in society and technology. I also actively participate in a number of sporting activities including golf and tennis. I believe that we are in a better position and will have more energy to guide, facilitate and understand our students if we look after ourselves both mentally and physically.