Great celebration as local school bids farewell to teacher after 23 years in the school

IN a celebration filled with laughter and tears on Thursday 26 th October, Scoil Chrónáin Naofa paid tribute to Cork native Mrs Maher after 23 years teaching in our school.

Opening the ceremony new Principal Donal Ryan welcomed Mrs Maher, past and present staff members and the pupils to the occasion.

Junior and Senior Infants sang for her, they presented her with a painting to remember her time working with them.
The Green Schools Committee presented her with a tree, and a National Award in recognition of her work spreading the Green School ethos.

Chairperson of the Board of Management, Marion Flanagan had great praise for Siobhan and presented her with a gift, while on behalf of the Parents Association, another Cork lady, Catherine Gowing presented Mrs Maher with flowers and a gift.

Ms Crowley read a poem written by Ms Hogan about Mrs Maher. Deputy Principal Mr Maher spoke eloquently about Siobhan’s teaching career and her journey from Cork to Offaly.

Green School Committee Presentation Back Row: Layla Young, Charlie Murphy, Mrs Siobhan Maher, Luke Crampton, Patrick Maher. Front Row: Patrick Comerford, Rachel Brereton, Angel Kirwan, Katelynn Greed

Mrs Maher couldn’t hide her delight when Mr O Connor’s class came in carrying Cork flags and some of the pupils did an Irish dance for her.

To round the day off Mr O'Connor recited a poem as Gaeilge, from Kilnamartyra, her home place. All present joined Mrs Maher as she cut her retirement cake.

“Thank you Mrs Maher for all your wisdom, kindness and fantastic sense of fun – we in Scoil Chrónáin Naofa wish you a long, happy, heathy retirement”, the school said.

The mini chainsaw was presented to Siobhan Maher by Darragh Nash and Nathan Csik. Photo: PJ Wright

See the full picture gallery in this week's Midland Tribune