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F1 old boy Eddie Irvine buys Bangor grammar school building

Monday, 6 February 2012

Belfast Telegraph

The boys of Bangor Grammar School have swept all before them this season. Four major trophy wins, in fact- in the Ulster Section of the Aer Lingus Schools' championship (in which they were third-best in the all-Ireland finals), and in the Ulster Schools' League and Froggart Shield championships, and Irish Schools' championship, 1978.

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Former Formula One ace Eddie Irvine is going back to school in his native north Down — but he won’t be getting behind a desk.

Property tycoon Irvine has bought the 107-year-old Bangor Grammar School building for an undisclosed sum.

The school will be moving to another site at the start of next year, and Irvine is expected to convert the building into housing.

However, Bangor Grammar headmaster Stephen Connolly said he believes multi-millionaire Irvine will keep the building’s distinctive look intact.

“This is someone who is well-known and well-liked in the area,” said Mr Connolly.

“The school would be something of major landmark and I’m sure most people would be glad to hear that the familiar look of the building will still be there after we’ve gone.”

Irvine’s wealth, which has largely come from property investments, has been estimated at around �80m in the Sunday Times Rich List.

Proceeds from the school building’s sale will go towards the grammar’s new premises.