The principal of Ballyfin National School, Michael Moloney, retired after 25 years at the helm, at the end of this school year.
A native of Limerick city, Michael taught for the first four years of his career in St. Kieran’s Galvone, Limerick, followed by 11 years in St. Paul’s Borris Road, Portlaoise.
He became principal in Ballyfin in 1998 and over a quarter of a century has seen numerous developments, including the expansion of the school and its relocation.
Moving from a 106 year-old-building (1902-2008) to a new school in 2008 was a huge undertaking for Michael.
Organising finance and a new green field site were among the challenges. However, with strong support from the committee, the project was successfully concluded
In 2020, the new building which is located just down the road from the old school, was extended to incorporate a resource room and additional classroom.
Shortly after moving into the new building Michael went from being a teaching principal to an administrative principal. There are 19 on the staff: 13 teachers, four SNAs and a secretary. Currently there are 223 pupils on the roll.
Michael and his wife Catherine live in Portlaoise and have three children, Tim, Laura and Michael.
Education is a family affair with Laura teaching in Ratheniska NS and Catherine deputy principal in the Holy Family Junior School.
Michael will be best known and remembered by past and current pupils for being kind, fair and a drama, sport and music enthusiast.
Regarded as a man of many talents, he is said to always have had a friendly word and a smile for all.
Numerous Cuman na mBunscoil wins; RTE radio drama competitions; recording the sixth class play from 2004 titled ‘57 Channels and Nothing On’; the staging of numerous plays in the school and at the Dunamaise Theatre; participation in chess leagues, debating, rounders and choral competitions and raising the green flag and the active school flag are just some of the school’s achievements under his 25 years’ leadership.
The school feted Michael’s contribution in many ways over his final week in Ballyfin NS.
Fr Joe Brophy and the community of Ballyfin celebrated a Mass on June 25 in the parish church, Ballyfin, followed by refreshments and presentations in the school hall.
Michael’s plans for his retirement are to enjoy a bit of downtime with his family and pursue his hobbies which include gardening and golf.
A new principal will be appointed by the end of June.
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