A Laois principal who has spent practically all his life in the one school, has been given a heartfelt fond farewell upon his retirement. Phil Bowe began as a student at Heywood Community School, going on to serve for 40 years first as a teacher and the final 12 as principal. He and his family enjoyed a special dinner with the Board of Management, at Castle Durrow to mark his retirement. Tap NEXT to see all the photos by Frank Smith. More below photos. Phil and Mary Bowe with current and past staff members of Heywood CS On Friday, February 9, a celebratory dinner was hosted by the Board of Management of Heywood Community School in The Castle Hotel, Durrow to mark the retirement of past principal of the school Mr. Phil Bowe. Phil was accompanied by his wife, Mary and the event was attended by members of the Board of management from the past 12 years during the time of Mr. Bowe's principalship. It also marked the remarkable 40 years service Mr. Bowe has given the school as teacher and principal. Mr. Bowe ,who was also a student in the school, was thanked for his dedicated leadership in his time and for providing calm reassuring guidance at all times even in the most turbulent of occasions The event on the night was addressed by Fr. Eunan McDonnell (Salesians of Don Bosco) and Mr. Joe Cunningham (Laois Offaly Education Training Board) on behalf of both trustees, Fr. Dan Carroll (Current Chairperson Board of Managment) and Mr. Eamon Jackman (Current principal). Mr. Bowe was wished well on a long and happy retirement and thanked for the many initiatives he had commenced in the school whilst also continuing the strong culture his predecessor Mr. David Dwyer had created. As Mr. Bowe commences a retirement that is kept active with his interest in farming, Tipperary GAA and his hurling club Moyne-Templetouhy all gathered on the night look expressed gratitude for ensuring Heywood Community School continues to provide a holistic and relevant education for all students in the community.
IN PICTURES: Laois secondary school's student turned principal retires
