StLeonards
RETIREMENT PRESENTATION
It was standing room only in St Leonards Church on Friday, June 22, for the Retirement Mass and presentation for principal of St Leonards National School, Mr Martin Kennedy, who has retired from teaching.
Speaking on behalf of the board of management of St Leonards NS and its chairperson Marion Wall, Seán Colfer said Martin has spent thirty nine years in the teaching profession and spent twenty four years as principal in St Leonards N.S. It was with regret the BOM accepted his retirement, but wished him health and happinness to enjoy his time. He said Martin is a true professional. He has been a kind and respectful leader, and has taken his responsibilites to the students, staff, parents and the community with openness and accountability. He has always been friendly and helpful to others and has a kind, encouraging and possitive approach. Before making a presentation on behalf of the board of the board of management he wished Martin well in his reirement and thanked him for everything he had achieved for the students and the school.
Vice Principal Cathriona McGrath, made a presentation to Martin on behalf of the staff and thanked him for his support and encouragement to them during his time in the School. Chair. of the parents’ association Mary Fitzharris thanked Mr Kennedy for his unfailing help to the parents committee and for all he achieved for the school children. A presentation on behalf of the wider community was made by the chairperson of the parish finance committee Willie Fitzharris.
Three former priests of the parish, Fr James Cashman, Fr Paddy Banvile and Fr Michael Doyle along with chief celebrant parish priest Fr Willie Byrne, Ballycullane, concelebrated Mass on the night, with the children from the school providing the choir. In his homily Fr Byrne thanked Mr Kennedy for his commitment and dedication to education. He said Martin had prepared many, many children during his teaching carreer and helped them choose their future path in life. Fr Byrne also thanked Martin for continuing the ethos of the school, especially for preparing the children for the Sacraments. In conclusion Fr Byrne wished Martin and all the Kennedy family health and happinness for in the future.
In reply Martin thanked everyone for their comments and said he enjoyed his twenty four years teaching in St Leonards. He also thanked all the people who helped keep the school building, grounds and hedges in such good shape during his time in St Leonards.
Refreshments and entertainment followed in the school after the presentation.
A special thanks to all who provided confectionary on the night and to all who helped in any way in making the event such a great success. Thanks also to Jimmy Barnwell, who provided the music in the school.
CARDS
Winners of the cards in the hall last week were, David Murphy, John Sinnott and Georgie Foley. Nick Doyle, Seán Colfer and Johnny Flynn took second prize. Two teams shared third prize. They were; Kathleen Cadogan, Willie White, Luke Power and Dave Walsh, James McDonald and John Reville. The last game draw winners were Maureen Eustace and Michael Murphy. The raffle winners on the night were; Michael Kehoe, Seán Colfer and James McDonal (2). The cards continue every Saturday night at 8.30 p.m.
LOTTO
There was no jackpot winner in the Tintern lotto draw last week. Mark Molloy, Kinnagh and Noel and Karen Furlong, Dunmain matched three numbers and shared the €200 prize money. The numbers drawn were 4, 7, 16 and 25. Next weks jackpot is €3,650and next week’s matchthree winners will share €200. Tickets on sale in all local shops and from committe members.
NEW PRINCIPAL
Congratulations to Cathriona MaGrath on being appointed principal of St Leonards National School recently. Cathriona replaces Martin Kennedy, who is retiring from teaching. A native of County Longford, Cathriona has been a very popular member of the teaching staff in St Leonards NS for the past seventeen years. We wish her well in her new role.
SYMPATHY
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Downes family Taulaught on the Death of their mother Margaret Downes, which occurred last week. May She Rest In Peace.
MID-SUMMER BAZAAR
There will be a Mid-summer Bazaar in aid of St Mogue’s Church at the Old Abbey Garden Centre, on Sunday, July 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
COUNTRY MARKET
Now in its 22nd year, market continues every Saturday in St Mary’s Hall, Fethard-on-Sea from 10.30 a.m. to midday supplying fresh vegetables, salad, herbs, plants, baking, chocolates, crafts, jewellery, prints and more.