TWO TEACHERS RETIRING FROM DULARGY N.S RAVENSDALE

DEPARTING Dulargy N.S teachers Harry Marron and Anne O’Hare couldn’t have imagined better weather to begin their retirement.

But it was with a mixture of emotions that they prepared to leave this week with a combined 80 years of teaching.

‘Mr. Marron’ as he has been known to hundreds of pupils throughout his 40 years in the school is also a former past pupil. Having taken up the post straight out of college, he was also appointed Deputy Prinicipal twelve years ago.

‘I’ve spent all but eight years of my life in Dulargy, when I left to go to the Christian Brothers secondary and then on to St. Pat’s to do my teacher training,’ he told the Argus.

‘So it will be a big change to not be in the school every day.’

Having taught the children of many past pupils, he adds ‘I haven’t just reached the stage of teaching grandchildren of my former pupils, so

I thought it better to go before that happens!’

The school, he explained, has changed significcantly over the decades, with pupil numbers doubling and the building currently being extended.

‘It’s a growing community in Ravensdale, so the demand for school places has increased with that.’ He added that Dualrgy N.S is ‘very much a part of the community here, and the parents play a huge part in that.’

The teaching profession has changed in many ways, he admits, with the onset of social media being among the areas of some concern.

‘But personally I believe that the job of a teacher is essentially the same, to help young children learn as they begin their path in education, and also help them to be happy in doing that.’

Principal Danny Gallagher praised both Mr. Marron and Mrs. O’Hare, who has also been teaching for forty years, 28 of those spent in Dulargy N.S.

‘Both have contributed an immense amount to the school, and they will be sorely missed.’

A group of pupils with Principal, Danny Gallagher (left) and Harry Marron who is retiring from his teaching post at Dulargy National School, Ravensdale after 40 years of service.

Pupils with Ann O’Hare who is retiring from her teaching post at Dulargy National School, Ravensdale after 28 years of service.

Principal, Danny Gallagher (right), with Harry Marron (40 years service) and Ann O’Hare (28 years service) who are retiring from their teaching post at Dulargy National School.