Local teachers honoured with retirement event

THE Irish National Teachers Organisations (INTO) held a function in the Riverside Park Hotel to honour seven local teachers who have retired after many successful years of service to their profession.

Around 100 people attended the event at which glowing tributes were paid to the retirees who included: Judy Deacon (St Edan’s, Ferns), Mary Kelly (Ballyduff NS), Eithne McGrath (Scoil Naomh Abbáin, Adamstown), Kathleen Houlihan (St Aidan’s NS, Clonroche), Colm O’Tiarnaigh (Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns), Marie O’Tiarnaigh (St Aidan’s, Enniscorthy) and Peter Creedon (St Aidan’s, Enniscorthy).

Among the speakers at the event were branch organiser, Mark Kelly, and the branch chairperson, Lorraine Dempsey.

They spoke briefly about each of the retirees and the contribution they each made to their respective schools.

Mr Kelly and Ms Dempsey, along with branch secretary, John Brennan, also made presentations to each of the retiring teachers as a token of appreciation from their colleagues.

The teachers were also wished a long and happy retirement from those in attendance.

Among the guests at the event was the INTO Vice President, Feargal Brougham, who congratulated the retirees on their years of service to their schools and their contribution to their communities.

The INTO Central Executive Council rep, Joe McKeown, spoke of the changes the teaching profession has experienced since each of the teachers began their careers in the 1980s.

Colm O’Tiarnaigh spoke on behalf of the retirees and thanked the branch officers for the lovely ceremony.

At the INTO reception for retireing teachers in the Riverside Park Hotel were, back row: Mark Kelly (branch organisor), Peter Creedon, Lorraine Dempsey (branch chairperson), John Brennan (branch secretary), Joe McKeown (INTO CEC rep.), Marie O’Tiernaigh and Colm O’Tiernaigh). Front: Mary Kelly, Judy Deacon, Fergal Broughan (Dep. President INTO), Kathleen Hooulihane and Eithne McGrath.