PICTURE: Renowned Tipperary teacher retires after more than three decades

There was more than a tinge of sadness in Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed as long serving, renowned artist and teacher PJ O’Connell retired from teaching after more than three decades working with second level students and PLC students in Coláiste Mhuire.

During his years of teaching, Thurles man PJ was a fully committed, hardworking and inspirational educator who influenced countless numbers of students to progress onto Art College where many became Art teachers, purely because of the love instilled in them for Art by PJ.

Being in the company of Mr O’Connell was always an enjoyable experience for students and teachers who brightened up the day with his good humour and witty one liners!

There was always an air of calmness in his art room which attracted people in for a chat or a time out in an ambience that displayed the finest of artwork from students over the years.

The old seanfhocal ‘Ní bheidh a leithéad arís ann’ is most certainly true in the case of PJ who was described as a dear colleague to all in Coláiste Mhuire Co ed and who made time for everybody and treated everyone the same.

“We wish him all the best in his retirement and say thank you ó chroí for the laughs, the chats, the memories and the friendship over the many years in Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed Thurles,” staff members said in an emotional farewell to him this week.

Pictured in the photograph are from left to right Ms Geraldine Cahill, PJ O’Connell, and Regina Dorney of the CMCO Art Department with TY student Neil Ryan (second from left) who drew a portrait of his teacher and presented it to him.