GOOD WISHES FOR MARCELLA AS SHE LEAVES SCHOOL
Just before Christmas I headed for the Ballymascanlon Hotel where a special party was taking place for Marcella O’Conluain from Blackrock who was retiring from the teaching profession after 36 years, as a teacher and as a principal in St. Josephs National School in Muirhevnamor.
She was accompanied by her husband Gearóid, son Diarmuid, daughter Neasa and husband Mike and they also received a message of congratulations from her son Ciaran and wife Orla from the Empire State Building!
I wasn’t too long in the door when I met up with Roz Morris who is a friend, neighbour and the lady who will be taking over Marcella’s position in the coming weeks. She said Marcella’s are big boots to fill and she is really looking forward to the challenge and wanted to wish her every happiness in her retirement.
Next I caught up with Paul Molloy from Haggardstown and Paul Markey from Inniskeen who told me they were sad to see her go, but were going to give her a real send off to remember.
This sentiment was mimicked by Vincey McKevitt and Andre O’Connor who assured me they were going to make sure she had a really great night.
After this I caught up with Paddy Stanley from Holy Family and Benny McArdle from Willow Grove who said that she is an inspired head of the school and they hoped she had a great time now that she has retired.
Also in their company were Anthony Keenan from Dromiskin and Stephen Toner from Riverside Drive who were enjoying the company of Alan O’Connor from Belfry Drive who told me that Marcella is an inspirational woman, extremely genuine and loved by all her staff so she definitely will be a great loss.
Heading for another table I then got talking to Roisin McEntegart from Crossmaglen, Kathryn Thomas from Jonesboro, Geraldine McCabe from South Armagh who told me that Marcella was an integral part of the success of the school and they’re really sorry to see her go.
After this I headed over for a chat with my old friend Annmarie O’Murchu from Bay Estate who told me that Marcella will be missed incredibly and she really is a lovely woman. Annmarie was enjoying the company of Jane Cunningham from Ballinahattna and Clare White from Jenkinstown who were up for making it a real night to remember.
Not too long later I met up with Sr. Joan who was representing the Board of Management who said they had had a number of tributes for Marcella and she thoroughly deserved every single one and she would be sadly missed from the school.
Next I headed over for a word with Avril Keenan from Dromiskin sitting with Janice Faherty from Newtownhamilton who told me they were delighted to have worked with Marcella and found her a real inspiration.
Also at the same table I met up with Judith O’Donoghue from Earlsfort, Emma Nelson from Dublin Road, Sheila Murphy from Kilkerley, Aine Kennedy from Carrick Road and Avril Callan from Knockbridge who told me Marcella will be greatly missed and they going to make sure she had a fantastic night with them.
Not too long later I then met up with Susan Perkins from Willow Grove, Sara Nixon from Bishops Court, Shane McEntee from Blackrock and the recently married Elizabeth Flanagan from Blackrock who had left husband Raymond at home babysitting Martin, Pauric and Oisin.
Finally, before I left them to enjoy their meal I caught up with Niamh Curtis from Blackrock, Gheni McLaughlin from Knockbridge, Karol Caulfield from Knockbridge, Caroline Manning from Ravensdale and Orla Duffy from Manydown Close who all wanted to wish Marcella a very happy retirement and were definitely going to make the best of the night.