Tributes have been paid following the passing of a long-serving school teacher who worked in Stradbally.
Mrs Ann Ramsbottom, from Luggacurren but originally from Portarlington in Laois, came to the school formerly known as Scoil Aonghusa in 1970.
Her appointment was significant at the time as she was the first lay teacher to be given a job in the school – all others were nuns.
She taught in the school for 34 years and served as Deputy Principal before retiring in 2004.
Mrs Ramsbottom passed away on Monday and news of her death sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media.
St Colman’s, formerly known as Scoil Aonghusa before it amalgamated with Stradbally BNS, led the tributes.
They said: “Rest in Peace Mrs Ann Ramsbottom former Deputy Principal and very well known and respected Teacher in Stradbally for many years.”
While Vivienne Phelan, a Local Election candidate for Fine Gael in 2019, remembered her former teacher fondly.
She said: “Very sorry to hear this news. Rest in Peace Mrs Ramsbottom, who taught me in third class. Very happy memories, wonderful teacher.
“Used to help out exchanging coins for notes in the shop and she wrote us a lovely thank you letter when I finished primary school.
“Will always remember her telling anyone who didn’t have their homework done – ‘you’re fooling nobody only yourself!’.”
Mrs Ramsbottom passed away peacefully, at Beechwood Nursing Home, Leighlinbridge, Carlow surrounded by her loving family on January 23.
Beloved wife of Eamonn, she is sadly missed by her loving daughters Mary (Mulligan, New Zealand) and Linda (Murphy, Carlow) and son George.
Adored grandmother of Sarah and Edward Mulligan, Sarah, David, Helen, Jane, Clare and Ian Ramsbottom, Adam, Greg and Ross Murphy. Deeply regretted by her sons-in-law Matt and Fergal and her daughter-in-law Aideen.
She is also mourned by her sister Mary and Mary’s husband Desmond, her brothers Tom, Martin and the late Joe, dear cousin Mary, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at Rigney’s Funeral Home, Athy, Co. Kildare, R14 TX26, on Thursday evening (January 26) from 5pm until the conclusion of the Rosary at 8pm.
Removal on Friday morning to arrive at The Holy Rosary Church, Luggacurren, Co. Laois, R32 DC44 for Requiem Mass at 11am. Cremation will take place afterwards in Newlands Cross Crematorium.
May she Rest in Peace.
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