Institute of Education founder Raymond Kearns dies aged 91
over 3 years in The Irish Times
The founder of the Institute of Education Raymond Kearns has died at the age of 91, his family has said.
The educator died in hospital on Friday night, surrounded by his friends and family.
He had contracted Covid-19 and later experienced complications. His son Peter Kearns, current managing director of the institute, said his father had the “fullest life” and “did it all”.
“There’s no sadness, really. Only celebration,” he added.
His funeral Mass will take place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, in Donnybrook at 11am on Wednesday, April 6th.
As a mark of respect, the cortège will be passing The Institute of Education, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 at around 1pm on Wednesday, followed by cremation in Mount Jerome Crematorium.
From Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, Mr Kearns had “humble origins” and left home at the age of 15 and sought employment with CIE as a clerk.
He studied for his Leaving Certificate in his spare time, with a focus on earning a place in University College Dublin, where he subsequently gained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He earned scholarships to study in the University of Pittsburgh, in the US, before taking a post as senior maths teacher in Gonzaga. In 1969, he opened the institute.