THERE were a few tears shed and lots of ice-cream eaten at Derryquay NS on Wednesday as the school said farewell to their principal and the graduating sixth class pupils.

Siobhan Uí Dhonaill from Tralee has been principal of the school since 2013 and quickly became endeared to the school community.

Parents, pupils and board members of the school were present at a special party to mark her retirement where wonderful tributes were paid to her.

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Siobhan starting teaching in Arranmore in 1980. She moved on to a school in Trim, Co. Meath, but moved back to Kerry when the position became available six years ago. She said she’ll remember her time in Derryquay with fondness.

“I loved my time here, because it’s a lovely small school with a great sense of community. I received great backing from the parents and the board of management,” she told us.

Philomena Leen, on behalf of the Board of Management, wished Siobhan all the health and happiness she deserves in her retirement.

“Siobhan has been principal for six years and her contribution to the school in that time has been outstanding. She has been a dedicated Principal, a loyal colleague and a fantastic teacher. The children have truly benefited from their time in Siobhan’s class and their high standard of Irish is a wonderful legacy.”

It was also an occasion to say farewell to four sixth class pupils who are off to secondary school this autumn. Both Siobhan and teacher Bríd Ní Gearailt paid lovely tributes to Thomas Sheehy, Saoirse Mehigan, Diarmuid Waugh and Ryan Houlihan (who was missing on the day).

After the festivities ended, the children rushed out to ice-cream van which had pulled into the school grounds, providing a deserved treat as the school year winds down.