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Emotional farewell as Mrs Murphy retires

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GIFT: Ursula Coffey (Principal) presenting Breda Courtney Murphy with a special gift on behalf of staff and pupils from Holy Cross Mercy School on Friday, where Breda retired after almost 40 years service. Photo: Sally MacMonagle.

 

By Michelle Crean

 

For almost 50 years, Breda Courtney Murphy has had a very special relationship with Holy Cross Mercy School - so it was an emotional farewell last Friday when she finally said goodbye.

There were tears and also cheers as staff and pupils celebrated her school life as she prepares to take a different direction with her career.

The creater of the successful ‘Mrs Murphy’s Copies’ was overwhelmed with the send off and said it's a day that she'll never forget.

"I chose to retire. I'm changing direction and going publishing full-time and will focus on different projects as well," Breda told the Killarney Advertiser.

Breda started her teaching career with Holy Cross when she was aged 20. However, her relationship with the school goes further back as she attended the primary school for eight years before spending a year at St Theresa's, which was part of the Mercy, before it amalgamated with St Brigid's - a relationship totalling 49 years.

[caption id="attachment_34167" align="alignleft" width="375"] RETIREMENT: Breda Courtney Murphy retired from the Holy Cross Mercy School in Killarney last week after almost 40 years service. She is photographed here with her Senior Infants class and her grandnieces Grace Finnegan, Kayla and Rhianna Wright and Lily O'Donoghue. Photo: Sally MacMonagle.[/caption]

During her last day at work Breda was joined by her husband Con, her mother Bridie and four grandnieces who attend the school.

Breda said it was emotional as staff had put together a photo slideshow to her favourite song 'High Hopes' by Kodaline. She made a speech thanking everyone which was live streamed into the classrooms due to social distancing. School Principal Ursula Coffey also offered up some kind words.

"It was very heartwarming. The effort the staff put in was second to none and that will always be with me. The hardest part was saying goodbye to the children."

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Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape

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Eric Jenkinson wins camera club award with Dingle landscape


The stunning landscapes of Kerry continue to inspire members of the Killarney Camera Club, with this month’s themed competition, titled “Kerry Landscape,” producing a high standard of entries.


Following last week’s feature on the unrestricted category winner, Noel O’Neill, this week showcases the winning photograph in the Novice Category by Eric Jenkinson.
His striking photograph, titled “Wild Atlantic Way,” impressed the judges with its colour, composition, and sense of place. The image captures the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, featuring Clogher Beach in the foreground and the iconic Three Sisters landmarks in the background.
Eric’s success highlights his photographic talent and his appreciation of the county’s natural scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.

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End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires

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End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires


It marks the end of an era for local dentistry as Brendan Coffey prepares to retire after a 38-year career in Killarney.


Brendan returned from England in 1988, buying a house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and converting it into the Killarney Dental Clinic. The practice officially opened its doors on Friday May 13, 1988.
“As I had started the surgery from scratch, I had no idea when or if my first patient would come,” Brendan said. “I didn’t have to wait long, my neighbour Johnny Healy from Healy’s shop in New Street arrived first thing and gave me my start.”
In a fitting completion of the circle, Johnny is booked in as Brendan’s final patient on Wednesday of this week.
Brendan thanked the community and his former colleagues. “The people of Killarney and all around have been the most wonderful, loyal, and friendly people to have met and have the privilege to treat for the last 38 years,” he said. “I would like to give special mention to my wife Brenda, who acted as a hugely popular practice manager for many years.”
In October 2022, Brendan’s son Jack and his wife Emma took over the practice before expanding the business to a state-of-the-art facility at the Reeks Gateway.
“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in what the practice has become,” Brendan added. “So, I will sign off by saying: easy on the sweets, give up the fags, and don’t eat for two hours.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full story on Brendan’s career.

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