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Fred Garvey (right) receiving a presentation from Jerry O’Dwyer to mark his retirement as Chairman of the Blennerville NS Board of Management on Friday. Also included is, from left; Mary Wallace, Louise Brassil, Fr Tadhg Ó Dochartaigh, Fr Vitalis Barassa, Fr Michael Moynihan, Michelle Culloo, Liz O’Connor, Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald and Sean Daly. Photo by Dermot Crean
BLENNERVILLE NS paid a special tribute to a man who has given great service to the school over the years, at an event in the school last week.
Fred Garvey is stepping down after serving as Chairman of the Board of Management for the past 16 years. A special Mass was organised at the school on Friday attended by all the pupils, staff, former principals, members of the Parents Council and was celebrated by a number of clergy.
During his time as Chairman, the school has seen big changes culminating in the move from the old building to a brand new school in January 2016.
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Principal Robbie O’Connell paid tribute to Mr Garvey — a former Kerry Garda Division Chief Superintendent — for his contribution over the years.
“The mammoth work you have done for the school is unsurpassed, culminating in the transition from the old school to the new school,” said Mr O’Connell.
Teacher Liz O’Connor said the school has grown from an acorn to an oak tree during his tenure as Chairman and thanked him on behalf of the teachers for his work over the years.
Mr Garvey said he was touched by the tributes and the ceremony.
“I am extremely honoured that the mass is being said for me and my family. It’s been a lovely ceremony, in all my life I’ve never had such a send-off,” he said.
“I’m humbled by what has been said about me. I didn’t think I did that great a job, but I do think the area of volunteerism is very important, particularly in the area of schools and the church. It’s very important for people to contribute and I’ve been very blessed to be involved in the school that has come from where it was to where it is now.
“That has been done by people who are no longer on the board of management and past principals whose contribution has been invaluable over the years,” he said. Mr Garvey will be replaced as Chairman by Jerry O’Dwyer.
Fred Garvey (right) receiving a presentation from Jerry O’Dwyer to mark his retirement as Chairman of the Blennerville NS Board of Management on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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