The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Principal Cáit takes bow at the ‘High School’
IT is most unlikely that Cáit Daly’s links with her beloved St. Ida’s National School, Curranes will end with her retirement as teacher and principal there last week.
For the school there has played an important role as the heart of its quite scattered but fiercely united and proud community.
God be good to Monny McGillicuddy but he always referred to Curranes as The High School and I have a feeling that he attended there in his day.
High School because of the fact that it’s away up the hill and close to the upper rim of the valley here.
If Curranes is ever flooded, the valley dwellers down here will be well past Castlemaine and touching base with the Gulf Stream.
Cáit was accompanied by husband, Mike and sons, Seán and Kevin to a pure Curranes NS rousing reception on the evening of her bowing out last week.
She explained her path from pupil to principal at the school in which she has seen and overseen so many changes.
“After a number of years of ‘subbing’ in local schools, Cáit was appointed to a permanent teaching position in Curranes in January 1984.
“I have had an ongoing association with Curranes school since the Nolans arrived in Laccabawn in September, 1968. All seven of us, Nolan children attended here. Our own lads, Denny (RIP), Seán and Kevin.
“Mikey had the schoolbag and little books, but sadly never got to use them. The school is woven into the fabric of my life, it’s very close to my heart and will continue to be.
“Being a teacher provides a kind of extraordinary window into the soul of a community. Everything from the silly to the serious, the fun and sometimes sad and difficult moments. It links the world of home, school, pupils and entire families.
“From 1984 to 1988 I taught in what was the cloakroom area - outside the Master’s room door. Then in the pre-fab from 1988 to 2005. Of course, I’m very proud of our beautiful building here now. Whether it was a cloakroom or the pre-fab or state-of-the art building it didn’t really matter as it’s really not about a building.
“Curranes School is a credit to many ...to all the people who came before us ... going way back to 1869, when the old school across the road was built and I’m sure before that too. There’s a long tradition around here ...a tradition of care and goodwill.
“Terence McQuinn left a lasting impression with me as with everyone he taught... care and good will always, as a principal and as a colleague.
“Also Sr Lelia, in St Joseph’s Secondary...I still find myself passing on things to my own lads that Sr Lelia would have taught us in her cookery classes all those years ago. Great memories,” said Cáit.