One of Knockbeg College’s longest serving teachers retired recently after almost 30 years of service.
Ms Louise Dillon, a Meath native, joined the staff of Knockbeg College in 1989 and was the first female on staff in this era.
She taught modern foreign languages (French and German), but is most noted for introducing the German language to the Knockbeg students.
Her deep appreciation and love of the language was clear to see by all, but most especially by her students who walked through the door of Room 5 daily.
The numbers opting to study German began to grow enormously – all credit to Ms. Dillon’s dedication and commitment.
Students excelled in this subject in written, aural and oral communication and indeed, were often even heard singing in German by passerby’s of her room.
Ms Dillon coached teams for German debating competitions and enjoyed national success with her students.
Louise was involved in many extra-curricular activities during her years in Knockbeg.
She introduced horse-riding to students and brought them to Carrigbeg riding school on their traditional leath-lá on a Wednesday afternoon.
They participated in many competitions in the Greenhills riding school and the Spring Show at the RDS. Gaisce – the president’s awards, were also organised by Ms. Dillon in the college.
Many long walks along the riverbanks and an overnight stay was enjoyed by participating students.
The school tours were regularly organised by Ms. Dillon, especially those to Germany or France where her language skills were required. If not organised by her, she always travelled on these trips in a supervisory role.
A spokesperson for Knockbeg said: “Louise will be missed by all her students and colleagues and we wish her all the very best of good health and enjoyment in her well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Louise.”
A number of her colleagues and friends turned out for her retirement in the Seven Oaks Hotel recently.
Check out some pictures from it below:
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