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SHE started her own schooldays at Scoil Bhride Loreto and today deputy principal Mary Moynihan had plenty of help as she recalled her many happy memories from a distinguished teaching career.

Crowds descended on the classrooms to wish her well at a special celebration for the hugely popular Mrs Moynihan who is retiring after 38 years of dedicated service to the school.

Father Kieran O’Brien, chairperson of the board of management, led a Mass involving the whole school after which presentations were made from the board of management, parents’ association, past pupils and current students.

Fittingly, considering Mrs Moynihan’s love of nature and the care she took to highlight its beauty to her protégés, a tree was planted in the school grounds to remind the children of her every day.

Mrs Moynihan started her own schooldays in Loreto at four years of age. She progressed through Loreto Secondary School and on to Carysfort College and began her teaching career in 1978. “She embraced all new advances in technology, moving with ease from the blackboard and chalk of 1978 to the interactive whiteboard today,” said school principal Mary O’Sullivan.

“At the same time she encouraged the children to keep up the traditional skills of knitting and gardening and to appreciate the beauty of nature and the local history of Killarney. She continuously upskilled herself but always remained unassuming, approachable and willing to share her expertise.”

As deputy principal since 1998, Mrs Moynihan was greatly involved with all developments in the school including the new extension. “She was always available with her warmth, her wisdom and her wealth of experience. This was greatly appreciated,” said Mrs O’Sullivan.

“Mrs Moynihan is a gifted teacher and a true professional who brought out the best in every child. She has been a wise, kind and supportive friend to the whole school community. She has a wealth of knowledge of local history and a love of nature which she shared generously with the children. They will always remember her love for them and her kindness towards them.

“We thank Mrs Moynihan for her kindness and friendship and thirty eight years of hard work and dedication to the children and the school.

“We are sad that Mrs Moynihan is leaving Loreto. We will miss her presence in school everyday, her sense of fun, her empathy, her friendship and kindness, her wisdom and experience, her laughter and common sense.

“We wish Mrs Moynihan every health, happiness and fulfilment as she enters a new stage in her life. We hope she enjoys many new adventures as well as taking a well deserved rest, no longer having to watch the clock.”
 

 
Staff members, past and present pupils and family paid tribute to Mary Moynihan, deputy principal, Scoil Bhride Loreto, following a retirement Mass today. Mary Moynihan is pictured here with family and staff members, including Fr Kieran O’Brien, chairperson, board of management, and school principal Mary O’Sullivan. PICTURE: DYLAN CLIFFORD