Principal retires after overseeing major developments at Rathkeevin National School

At the retirement function in Hotel Minella Seated: Pat O’Brien, Margaret O’Brien, Marie Looby, (standing) Fr Peter Ahearne, Frank Bourke, Teresa and Mick Burke and Dick Looby pictures: john d kelly

placeholder image — At the retirement function in Hotel Minella Seated: Pat O’Brien, Margaret O’Brien, Marie Looby, (standing) Fr Peter Ahearne, Frank Bourke, Teresa and Mick Burke and Dick Looby pictures: john d kelly

Tributes have been paid to a teacher who guided Rathkeevin National School through major development over many years.

Pat O’Brien retired as principal at Rathkeevin National School during Covid.

Tributes were paid to his dedication to teaching and his determination to see out major development projects at a formal ceremony held following the relaxation of Covid restrictions.

Fr Peter Ahearne, PP Powerstown-Lisronagh and Chairperson of Rathkeevin National School Board of Management paid a special tribute to Pat O’Brien’s negotiating skills.

“Soon after his arrival a grant was sought for building of three new classrooms and Pat’s genuine, skilful approach was successful. There was a development every year and Rathkeevin now has a modern, bright state of the art school with all modern equipment to help children prepare for a new world of computers and technology,” said Fr Ahearne.

Fr Ahearn said it was Pat’s dream to provide a top class education for all the children.

His policy was open, welcoming and inclusive. “Pat had a wide vision of education that embraced the academic, social, spiritual and physical side of children. He wanted the children to grow up well-rounded young people. He wanted all the children to leave Rathkeevin school confident to meet the challenges of the modern world and to contribute to the world of the future in the different areas they will enter,” said Fr Ahearne.

“Pat worked hard in the school with all the staff to provide that education and make Rathkeevin school a school of excellence. He has left a wonderful legacy to both school and community,” said Fr Ahearne.

Fr Ahearne paid tribute to Pat for publishing a book celebrating Rathkeevin National School.

“It not only encompasses the school but the locality, parish and anything you want to know about your history is described in detail,” he said.

Dermot Burke, principal of Rathkeevin School said: “Pat O’Brien came to Rathkeevin National School in September 2004 and retired there in his 46th year as a teacher in November 2020.

“Pat worked tirelessly over the years and always had the interest of every child at heart. Pat had a holistic approach to teaching, conscious of the need to help a child grow spiritually, physically, academically and socially. He worked to create a happy environment for all the teachers and supported them in any way he could.

“He has handed on a lovely school with a very good staff and all the modern technology to help children grow,” he said.

At the event to mark his retirement at Hotel Minella tributes were also paid by Frank Burke (Board of Management), Stephen Doody (staff), John Walsh (parent) and Martin Hanrahan (Parents’ Association).

Presentations were also made to Pat and to Marie Looby and Mick O’Dwyer who retired as cleaner and caretaker.