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Retiring teachers and Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra with staff and pupils at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
TWO women who have given 52 years of service between them to Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn were honoured at the school on Wednesday to mark their upcoming retirement.
Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra will be sorely missed at the school according to Principal Cáit Uí Chonchúir.
“It’s sad to see them go but they have lots of plans. They are young, busy people and I’m sure they’ll have a great retirement of health and happiness. Many children have passed through their classes over the years and they are highly respected. They couldn’t give enough of themselves, they are fair and generous people and we’re going to miss them,” she said.
A Mass celebrated by Fr Francis Nolan kicked off proceedings on Wednesday morning in the school hall with the entire student body present.
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Leas Príomhoide, Liam Ó Conchubhair, then introduced speakers, including the Principal, Chairperson of the Board of Management Bob Casey, Anne Marie Rogers of the Parents Council and teachers Colm Ó hAiniféin and Catríona Ní Mhainnín who paid a poetic tribute to the ladies.
Pupil from various classes also paid tribute to the ladies with music and song. Afterwards, Brandon native Máire Nic Mhathúna told TraleeToday.ie about her career.
“I started teaching in Kiltegan Co. Wicklow in 1978 where I spent three years — Kerry never lost an All-Ireland while I was there! I came home in 1981, got married and got a job in Castlegregory in a new school and then came here in 1992,” said Máire, who will miss her time in the Gaelscoil.
“I’ve had great years here with lovely children and co-operative parents who are very interested in their welfare and education in general which made our job much easier. I’ll miss it here but I’ve lots of plans for retirement,” added Máire, who is married to fisherman Derry and they have four grown-up children.
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Hailing from Abbeydorney, Nóirín de Barra too spoke glowingly of her years in Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn.
“I came here in 1991 and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. The children and parents have been very supportive, I’ve loved the job for the last 30 odd years and I’ll miss it very much. I have four children and six grandchildren in other parts of the country so I plan to travel to see them more often. No doubt I’ll be roped into a bit of babysitting!” Scroll down for photos…
Retiring teachers and Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra (seated fourth and fifth from left) with teaching staff at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra being presented with a special gift from pupils to mark their retirement, at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra received a presentation from Bob Casey, Chairperson of the school Board of Management to mark their retirement, at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra received a presentation from Anne Marie Rogers of Parents Council to mark their retirement, at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra receive presentations from teaching staff Catríona Ní Mhainnín and Colm Ó hAiniféin to mark their retirement, at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Máire Nic Mhathúna and Nóirín de Barra with Bob Casey, Chairperson of the school Board of Management and Principal Cáit Uí Chonchúir, at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
