Connect with us

News

Fossa principal says farewell to school life

Published

on

B

By Michelle Crean

Friday was a final farewell to principal of Fossa National School after nine years inspiring both pupils and staff.
Pat Clifford, who believes in being kind and compassionate to bring out the best in pupils, saw many changes during his time including €1.9m of works at the school which saw construction of new classrooms and an astro turf from Department of Education grants through the hard work of the school's Board of Management, Parents Association, and staff.

 

Although last Sunday was his official retirement date after the mid-term break - Pat called to the school again today (Friday) where staff and pupils got a chance to wish him all the best for his new future.

He told the Killarney Advertiser that he was passionate about seeing pupils reach the best of their abilities with encouragement by a kind word every now and again.

"I really enjoyed my time there," Pat told the Killarney Advertiser. "I always pencilled in that I'd retire in my mid-50s. I believe that you do as well as you can for as long as you can. On Monday, the school's new principal John Burke began his first day I wish him all the best. Also, the Board of Management have been
very helpful and I deeply appreciate their help over the years."

CAREER

Pat began his teaching career in 1984 after graduating from St Pat's College in Dublin, beginning first in Rush, Co Dublin until he moved to Macroom in 1998 taking up the position as deputy principal until 2002. Then it was onto Spa National School just outside Tralee where he first took up a principal's role before moving to Annascaul National School again as principal. Then it was back home to Fossa where he worked as Principal for the last nine years.

And with retirement comes more time on his hands, but Pat says that he'll get involved with more work related to education.

"I have a few things in the pipeline, I'll do work with different educational institutions. At the moment it's time for sharpening the saw and reflecting."

And on his time as an educator he added that he hopes those he taught and their parents will remember him for his compassionate nature.

"Teachers and principals have an enormous capacity to have a profound effect on children, every interaction you have with a child makes a difference. The legacy I'd like to leave is that the children thought I was kind and caring."

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport