PHOTOS: Teachers Honoured For Decades Of Service At Presentation Secondary School

THE contribution of two former teachers at Presentation Secondary School Tralee was acknowledged at a special celebration at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Friday night.

Art teacher Lillie O’Sullivan and French/Irish teacher Caitríona Wolff, who retired in the past year, were the guests of honour at an evening that reflected the deep appreciation of colleagues, friends and the wider school community.

Both teachers devoted decades to Presentation, guiding generations of students with their enthusiasm for their subjects and their steady commitment to school life.

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Lillie was recognised for her creativity and her ability to encourage students to express themselves through art, while Caitriona was praised for her passion for languages and the energy she brought to the French and Irish departments.

Lillie O’Sullivan (nee Stack) is a native of Banna and a past pupil of Presentation Secondary. She studied art in Limerick and later in the United States back in the 80s.

Having returned to Ireland in the late 90s, she began teaching in Presentation in 1999 and was there  until last June, a 26 year period which she thoroughly enjoyed.

“I’m proud of my time there and I’m really happy and content with what I’m doing now,” said Lillie, referring to the time she now devotes to beekeeping with her husband Tom.

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Caitriona Wolff is a native of west Limerick who, after studying French and Irish in University of Galway, spent seven years teaching in Sligo.

Caitriona then decided to do some travelling and ended up living in Nice, France, where she met her husband Patrick. She spent 13 years in France where their three children were born.

The family came back to Ireland in 2001, first to Naas and then to Tralee where Patrick opened French Flair on Courthouse Lane. Caitriona spent around 20 years teaching in Presentation and had a fantastic time.

“It was amazing, I had fabulous students and I loved teaching the girls,” she said. Caitriona is enjoying retirement and having already enjoyed a trip to Asia earlier this year, plans on doing more travelling in the future.

Speakers on the night highlighted the professionalism, kindness and the positive influence Caitriona and Lillie had on students and staff throughout their careers.

The event brought together current and former staff to mark the contribution of the two educators who have left a lasting imprint on the school.

The evening closed with warm tributes, shared memories and good wishes as Presentation Secondary School bid farewell to two exceptional teachers. Scroll down for photos…