Teachers, pupils, family and friends gathered in June to wish the principal of Ballyfin National School, Michael Moloney, well on his retirement from the school after 25 years of service to the Laois community.
The school and parish communities celebrated Michael’s contribution in many ways over his final week in Ballyfin NS. Sunday 25th June saw Fr Joe Brophy and the parish of Ballyfin celebrate a Mass for him followed by refreshments and presentations in the school hall.
It was a joyous occasion connecting old and new faces of the school community.
A native of Limerick city, Michael taught for the first four years of his career in St. Kieran's Galvone, Limerick, followed by 11 years in St. Paul's Borris Road, Portlaoise. He became principal of Ballyfin in 1998 and over a quarter of a century has seen numerous developments, including the expansion of the school and its relocation.
Michael wrote to the department requesting a new school in 2000 and 8 years later the community saw his dream come to fruition.
The new school Committee and the parish of Ballyfin rejoiced and celebrated on February 1st 2008 when a piper led teachers, children and parents down the road to the new school campus. In 2020 he and board of management oversaw another build, as the school was extended to incorporate a resource room and additional classroom.
Michael moved from being a teaching principal to an administrative principal in 2009.
There are 19 on the staff, there are 13 teachers, four SNAs and a secretary with 223 pupils on the roll.
Michael and his wife Catherine live in Portlaoise and have three children, Tim, Laura and Michael. Laura teaches in Ratheniska NS, whilst Catherine is deputy principal in the Holy Family Junior School.
Michael will be best known and remembered by past and current pupils for being kind, fair and a drama, sport and music enthusiast. He always has a friendly word and a smile for all.
Numerous Cuman na mBunscoil wins; drama competitions, staging of numerous plays in the school and at the Dunamaise Theatre; participation in chess leagues, debating, rounders and choral competitions and raising the green flag and the active school flag are just some of the school’s achievements during his 25 years’ leadership.
Michael’s plans for his retirement are to enjoy time with his family and pursue some hobbies including gardening and golf.
That's the last of the pictures from the retirement function in Ballyfin. To see more pictures featured in the Leinster Express from events around Laois TAP HERE.
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