‘It has been a pleasure’

The retirement of long-serving Lorrha NS teacher and principal Olive O’Meara was marked on Saturday, December 9th last, at Mass in St Ruadhán’s Church.

Olive served the school for 35 years and was principal for 24 of those years. The Mass included the pupils in much of the celebrations such as readings, symbols and choir, while two of her daughters Eimear and Saoirse brought the bread and wine to the altar, and her third daughter Caoimhe read the reflection.

Chairman of the Board of Management Philip McGrath told the congregation that Olive, née Dooley, was born and raised in the parish of Borrisokane where she also attended school. After secondary school she studied at Mary Immaculate College of Education and graduated with a Bachelor of Education.

She took up her first teaching post in Lorrha school in September 1988. Mr McGrath thanked Olive her for her service and dedication to the education of the young children of Lorrha since, “both academically and spiritually”.

‘HIGH STANDARD OF EDUCATION’

He mentioned how Olive maintained “a high standard of education in the school”, and her ‘grá for the Irish language’.

During her stewardship, the new school extension was opened in 2007. Teaching progressed from blackboards to whiteboards, a new IT system, laptops and iPads. In 2022, the school was designated as a DEIS school and the introduction of free school meals commenced in September; DEIS status has also opened up future grants for the school in years to come.

Olive also organised activities such as music, Irish dancing, speech and language, drama, arts & crafts, German, French, safe walking and cycling to school, talks from An Garda Síochána and local Fire Service, swimming, cross country running, tennis, rugby, hurling and football.

In his homily, Fr Michael Cooney, Co-PP, likened the Gospel of Sowing the Seed to Olive’s career and retirement. He mentioned how former pupils told him how she prepared them for the Sacraments and how they appreciated that and have fond memories of it.

“She was kind, caring, helpful and proud of every child and their achievements in her school,” Fr Cooney said. “We can only hope that as a teacher, some of the seeds you do scatter will take root and will grow into the person they can become, and indeed you, Olive, have seen that over your career, where people have achieved great things, being able to listen and sowed the seed of their life.”

TEMPORARY POSITION

Olive recalled cycling to school when she started there in 1988. Occasionally, her father would drive her to work.

“I was told at the time that the position was a temporary one; however, 35 years later, here we are.”

She mentioned how delighted she was to see so many of her pupils, both past and present, come out to the celebrations. “It was a great privilege to be part of your life and I would love to hear how you are getting on, and I will always be proud to celebrate your achievements personally and professionally, whether it be on the field of education or on the field of sport.”

Olive had the congregation in laughter as she shared some comical experiences she encountered during her time in the school. She also shared some of the more serious moments in the classroom. She went on to thank all the staff, both past and present, and thanked all the boards of management, and paid tribute to all the parents and guardians for allowing her to be part of their lives and for trusting her with the education of their children. “It has been a pleasure,” she said.

In conclusion, Olive wished her successor John Skehan the best of luck in the future. She is looking forward to exploring new opportunities in life, mentioning the walking group she has joined, and the musical group ‘Mid Life Crisis’.

She described her new role as “not an end but just a turn on the road”.