Fond farewells to Ardcath teachers
Principal and Vice-Principal Retire - July 2009
Ardcath
said goodbye to long serving national school teachers, Noel Friel,
principal, and Nuala Moore, assistant principal at their joint retirement party
recently.
Surrounded by pupils, past pupils, family and friends, the local community
honoured their dedication to teaching with a mass, a presentation in the church,
as well as a party and a further presentation in Pudden Hill.When Noel Friel, arrived in St Patrick's National School, 35 years ago, he was just 23 and he became the youngest principal in Ireland. He had already taught in Walkinstown and Raheny before taking the Ardcath position. He is married to Theresa and they have two children, talented musician, Noel Junior and daughter, Caroline, who followed in her father's footsteps. She now teaches junior and senior infants in St Patrick's.
Retiring vice-principal, Nuala Moore has spent 36 years as teacher and vice principal at the small national school. A single lady, she is originally from Leitrim. She completed her teacher training in Dublin, taught in Longford and travelled around Australia for couple for years before arriving in Ardcath.
The celebrations were held over a two-day period with a party for the children held at the school on Friday. Noel Friel organised a bouncy castle and plenty of fun for those who are still at the national school.
On Saturday, children and adults attended mass which was celebrated by Fr Phil Gaffney, and presentations were made by the younger children on the altar.
Later
during the party at Pudden Hill, as well as two cakes, a further
presentation of locally crafted wooden bowls was also made as well as gift
vouchers.
'It was a great night with plenty of dancing and it was after 2am when
everything finished,' said a spokesperson for the parents committee.'It was wonderful to see how many past pupils, teachers from other schools, parents and even inspectors from the Department of Education turned out. They both made a speech and it was a little emotional at times, particularly for the past pupils,' she added.
Christine Doherty
Drogheda Independent
