A tribute has been paid following the retirement of a long-serving Laois teacher who gave 31 years to the job.
Yesterday saw Pat Roe walk out of St Fergal’s College in Rathdowney for the final time after more than three decades.
A PE and English teacher, Roe is extremely well known for his exploits outside the classroom too.
A talented GAA player, he represented Laois and won senior championship medals in both codes.
He was on The Heath team that claimed championship glory in 1993 and had won senior hurling with Clonad in 1992.
His employment in St Fergal’s began around that time and Roe continued in the world of GAA where he went into management.
He took charge of Carlow, Offaly and Wexford during the 2000s with his most recent inter-county job being with the Laois U-21s in 2010.
But back to the classroom and a post on the St Fergal’s Facebook page describes how Pat will be fondly remembered for the immense contribution he made to the school.
They said: “October 2 marked a bitter sweet day in St. Fergal’s College as we bid farewell to Mr. Pat Roe as he retires after 31 years teaching in our school.
“Following a guard of honour from the entire school community, Mr Roe addressed staff and students as he recalled coming to St. Fergal’s 31 years ago for one month as a substitute teacher.
“This month turned in to a year and as they say, the rest is history.
“Reminiscing on his time in St. Fergal’s, Pat spoke of the happy memories he will have as he leaves and thanked all staff and students for making his time here memorable.
“Principal Gerry Quinn spoke of Pat’s dedication to the job throughout his time here, the positive influence he had on the school and how much he would be missed by staff and students alike.
“Here in St. Fergal’s, we will miss Pat’s humour and collegiality, as well as his ‘audible’ voice from his PE classes in the hall and his English classes in Room 19.
“However, we wish Pat, his wife, Mags and daughter, Katie-Linh all the best in his retirement and we hope he enjoys the next chapter of his life. Don’t be a stranger Pat!
“Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat sa todchaí.”
