There was a sense of celebration and gratitude in the air by those associated with Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore at a reception to mark the retirements of four members of the teaching staff.
The four long-serving teachers, Margaret Dennehy, Carmel O’Keeffe, Mary Woods and Mary O’Connor, attended the celebratory meal and evening with their husbands along with staff members, past and present.
The event, which was held in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, gave teaching colleagues and friends the opportunity to share stories and memories of their former colleagues and wish them well as they move onto the next phase of their lives away from the classroom.
All four former teachers had initially started in St Mary’s Secondary School in Rathmore before joining Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra when the amalgamation occurred in 1998.
Margaret Dennehy, who taught music and English had spent her entire career in Rathmore and special mention was made of her musical contribution to all school events over the years.
Carmel O’Keeffe taught French and Irish for many years instilled a passion and grá for languages in all of her students.
Mary O’Connor was a key figure in the science department where she taught junior cycle science and biology.
Mary Woods, an enthusiastic home economics for many years, was a driving force behind the success of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) in the school with a particular passion for developing an entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills in her students.
Principal, Denis Kerins, remarked: “While their presence is missed, we wish each of our colleagues health and happiness in their retirement”.
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