In October this year St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise wished an emotional farewell to Mr Seán O’Laoire after working in the school for 31 years.
St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise recently wished an emotional farewell to Mr Seán O’Laoire, a man they described a “legend.”
The school came together last Friday, as a tribute and to celebrate Mr O’Laoire’s last day after 31 years in the school.
The maths and Irish teacher is a native of Cork – hailing from the West Cork Gaeltacht area of Mhúscraoi.
That area consists of four villages and Seán is from Béal Á Tha’n Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary).
His teaching career began in Clondalkin in 1990 and he then spent a year in Carlow in 1991.
Seán came to Portlaoise in September 1992 and spent 18 years teaching at the old campus in Towerhill.
He, and the rest of the school, moved to the Borris Road in 2010 where Seán taught for a further 13 years and six weeks.
His retirement last Friday saw staff and students wear Man United jerseys – to honour Seán who absolutely loved the club.
All the students then lined the corridor to clap him on his way for the final time.
“Mr O’Laoire will be sorely missed by the staff and student body of our school,” a representative for Portlaoise CBS said.
“We cannot thank you enough for the kindness and good nature you have shown to all, the wisdom you have bestowed on many past pupils and of course present.
“Congratulations on your retirement and the very best wishes to you with the two loves of your life, family and Ryanair.”
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