Tributes paid to retired Longford school principal who 'left a lasting impression'
The late George Taaffe was a retired principal of Dromard National School
Tributes have been paid to former Dromard National School principal George Taaffe who passed to his eternal reward recently.
His funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, January 29 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Moyne with burial afterwards in Legga Cemetery.
He was fondly remembered as Master Taaffe by former pupils of the school.
Longford Retired Teachers' Association wrote: "We are saddened to learn of the death of our esteemed member and colleague, George. Deepest sympathy to Eileen, Paula, Susan, Declan, Barry, David and the extended Taaffe family, on your sad loss. May George rest in peace".
A former pupil wrote: "Master Taaffe left a lasting impression on all of us lucky enough to have him as our teacher".
Many of those who posted condolences described him as a "pure gentleman".
Another wrote on RIP.ie that he was "a wonderful school teacher, may all his good works go before him".
Benny and Catherine Reid wrote: "So sorry to learn of George's passing, Rath De air and deepest sympathy to Eileen, Susan, Paula, Barry, Declan and David. George replaced my Dad in the old 1892 Moyne school all of 63 years ago but our families have been friends since our parents' time on Ballybrennan Road in Ballymote a generation earlier. In iothalainn De go dtugtar sinn uilig!"
George, formerly of Athy, Co Kildare; (former principal of Dromard National School), died peacefully on 26th January 2024, He was pre-deceased by his parents John and Kathleen and by his brothers Seamus and Jack.
George will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, his beloved wife Eileen, daughters Paula Gorman (Maynooth) and Susan Keane (Lanesboro), sons Barry (Glenfarne), Declan (Clane) and David (Australia), brothers Tony and Francis, daughters-in-law Oonagh, Lisa and Elaine, sons-in-law Kevin and Brendan, his beloved grandchildren Conor, Niall, Holly, Orla, Leon, Amy, Bella, Phoenix and Tara, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.