Co Kildare school sees spike for retirement in staff amid calls for new teachers to apply

By Kim O’Leary

A Co Kildare school is preparing to say goodbye to three teachers with a combined 100 years of experience in the teaching profession, who are retiring after this school year.

The retiring teachers, Carmel Gibhlin-Farrell, Eileen Doyle and Mary Lawlor, have taught pupils at Scoil Mhicil Naofa, Athy, for many years. Scoil Mhicil Naofa is a Catholic primary school, which currently has 652 pupils with 314 boys and 338 girls aged from five to 12 years of age.

School principal, Moira Liddane, has spoken of her gratitude to the three retiring members of staff for their excellency in educating pupils and for their services to the school and the wider community. “An absolute wealth of wisdom, expertise and knowledge, the three teachers have really given their time and skills to serve the school and the community of Athy,” said Ms Liddane, praising the three teachers.

Ms Liddane said: “Carmel and Eileen have been teaching here for many years since the beginning of their careers, while Mary joined our staff not long after. I wish them the very best and they will be sadly missed by all as they start the next chapters in their lives."

A ceremony for staff only is being held in the Main Hall in Scoil Mhicil Naofa at 7.30pm tonight. On Wednesday there will be a school concert to mark the end of the school year and to bid farewell to the retiring teachers.

Scoil Mhicil Naofa is set to start interviewing for new teachers.