Maura calls it a day

St Colmcille’s teacher retires after 30 years

1993 was the year St Colmcille’s Primary School in Templemore appointed a young local teacher named Maura Bergin to their staff.

Mick Maher, Principal at the time, knew immediately that this young lady had everything needed to be an inspirational and excellent teacher, and a role model to the boys of Templemore and over the next 30 years.

Maura Bergin graduated from Carysfort College in Dublin in the summer of 1986. A few days of substitute teaching in the local Killea National School kicked things off for Maura and when she received word that a principal in Dublin had phoned her neighbour’s house, hoping to make contact with her, the decision was quickly made and it was off to Rowlagh in her red sports car to take up her first proper post on Dublin’s Northside.

While valuable experience was gained in Dublin, Maura’s heart was always set on returning home and when an opportunity arose to join the staff of the Presentation Convent Primary School in Thurles, Maura gratefully accepted and took up a position teaching a class of boys from the travelling community. Maura had one more move to make and when Fr Lottie Brennan (RIP) offered her a teaching position in St Colmcille’s, Templemore, Maura didn’t hesitate.

During this time, Maura’s dedication to the children of Templemore would leave an immeasurable mark on their development with any boy lucky enough to come under her tutelage having nothing but fond memories to share.

Having a particular draw to the underdog, she moved into Special Education and spent the majority of her time working with children that needed the most help. With a keen love for mathematics, Maura particularly enjoyed teaching numbers and problem-solving, and introduced the concept of using Math’s Eyes in our everyday lives.

Health and Wellbeing is another passion of Maura’s and the numerous Active Flags achieved by the school are a testament to her commitment in this area. She also coordinated St Colmcille’s famous Active Week. A feature of this week is the Sixth Class v Teachers soccer game and Maura took immense pleasure in throwing herself into every challenge and ruck with no inch given to secure victory. Maura also brought Zen to the school with many a child enjoying her Yoga sessions so much that she would literally lull them off to sleep.

On June 22, a large crowd gathered in the school hall to share memories of Maura’s 30 years. This special assembly was attended by her family, work colleagues and pupils, who celebrated her time here through poetry, video, story and song. School principals both past and present spoke fondly of Maura, while her longest serving colleague and great friend Caroline Glennon emotionally recollected their 25 years working side by side. There were tears of sadness and tears of laughter for this special occasion, which encompassed everything that Maura was known for.

St Colmcille’s is losing a true gem but another chapter begins for Maura now, one well deserved and one which no doubt Maura will fill with activity, joy and creating new special memories with her family.

As her own song, specially written for Maura and sang by the pupils of the school goes,“And so Ms Bergin, the time has come to say our last goodbye,

We wish you well and say farewell with teardrops in our eyes.”