Walk in memory of Longford great Gabriel McGoey unveiled in Abbeyshrule

Gabriel began his teaching career in St Joseph’s NS, Terenure in the mid-seventies. He was appointed Principal of Tang NS in September 1980 and spent the next twenty-seven years leading the school community before his untimely retirement in 2007.

Gabriel McGoey celebrated his retirement after 27 years in Tang NS.

Many attended Gabriel’s retirement function in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule to pay tribute. Paul Fox was MC with many speakers; Adelle Salmon, Fr Gerry Murphy, School Inspector Noel Hueston, GAA chairman Joe Fox, John Burke, Chairman of the Board of Management, Ben Lynn and Gabriel’s brother Ciaran McGoey.

Many acknowledged the contribution made to the school community and education in Tang. Gabriel arrived in Tang in 1980. He promoted and supported the GAA, church and community. He was a true professional in every sense of the word; a perfectionist, his attention to detail, organisational skills, diplomacy and fair-mindedness knew no bounds.

In 1997 he embarked on a journey to improve the accommodation and facilities at the school “to make life easier for everyone”. Gabriel and the team at Tang NS developed a state of the art building and educational facilities. He thoroughly supervised the planning and development phases of the upgrade.

Tang Sports was always renowned. It was a sports day that was held annually in Joe Fox’s field. Thorough planning and proficient organisational skills were necessary to run the busy programme and Gabriel was at the helm. Many attended from far and wide to hear bands, watch aeroplane flyovers, parachutists, participate in competitions, and most importantly to enjoy this magnificent community day.

Many inter-school competitions were won by Tang NS as a result of Gabriel’s training and coaching. School tours visited Dublin, Kerry, Clare etc in the early hours of the morning and did not return until late.

Gabriel left a legacy for which the community would be forever grateful. The community wished Gabriel every happiness in his retirement. “May the hum-drum of the school yard or the sound of the school bell be replaced with the “whoosh” of the golf club or the soft babbling of the canal water.”

Sadly, on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 Abbeyshrule lost a pivotal member of the community. He had battled with dignity his fight against

From a community point of view, Gabriel was the epitome of a gentleman; he was admired and thought fondly by all who knew him.

He was involved in all things local and community; Tidy Villages, Abbeyshrule Royal Canal Amenity Group, Cistercian Abbey Preservation Committee, Abbeyshrule- schwenningen Twinning Programme, GAA, Church etc.

He was a true diplomat; an eloquent speaker with a varied variety of interests. Gabriel selflessly always sought out opportunities to assist family and community members; never again mentioning his generosity or expecting anything in return.

His diligence was admirable.

To quote Oliver Goldsmith’s ‘The Deserted Village’ we can sum up people’s admiration for Gabriel: “And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, That one small head could carry all he knew.”

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.