Thursday was a bitter-sweet day for everyone in Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe as the children and staff said goodbye to long-term staff member, Margaret Mary Muldowney.
On one hand, they were delighted to celebrate her retirement, but on the other, they were very sad to say goodbye.
The staff, children and Margaret Mary’s family gathered in the school hall to celebrate her wonderful career.
They were joined by Parish Priest, Fr David Vard, who presided over a beautiful retirement service.
Local musician and parent, Damien Bowe, was also in attendance to accompany the school choir.
Margaret Mary has a unique connection to the school and to Timahoe.
Her father, Jim Sayers, a Kerryman, moved to Laois in the 1940s and eventually settled in Timahoe where he became headmaster of the school.
Margaret Mary was born in Timahoe and attended school there during her father’s time as headmaster.
When she met her husband Frank, they settled in Timahoe and their children also attended the school.
Over the years, she became a prominent member of the community and was one of the founding members of the Timahoe Development Association and Tidy Towns Group.
She returned to Scoil Mhuire Fatima in the year 2000 as the school’s first ever SNA and has been a hugely important member of staff since then.
She has many talents and interests that have been of benefit to the school, but without doubt, she will be remembered most for the relationships formed with the children she cared for.
Following the service, there were a number of presentations from the staff, the Parents’ Association and the Board of Management, all acknowledging Margaret Mary’s enormous contribution to the school.
Principal, Michael McEvoy said that Margaret Mary had “given so much to the children of Scoil Mhuire Fatima.
“There are so many parents out there that will be forever indebted to you for the patience, kindness and compassion you have shown to their children.”
He declared that the “staff and children would miss her dearly” and explained how she had been “a ‘rock’ to so many over the years.”
“We wish her the very best for the future as she pursues her creative interests of painting, needlework and gardening.
“We are sure she is also looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren, Abbie, Grace, Jack, Una, Sam, Charlie and Jamie.”
Go néirí an bother leat Margaret Mary.
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