MIKE SAYS FAREWELL TO SAINT TERESA’S NS

THERE was a tinge of sadness in the air at St Teresa’s National School in Kilflynn on Wednesday afternoon as caretaker Mike Leen finished his last day at work. Mike is retiring after 20 years’ service at the school and the children and staff gathered one final time to bid him a fond farewell.

Mike described it as ‘a happy and sad day in equal measure’ as he made some wonderful memories during his time at the school.

“I’ve seen a lot of teachers and kids come and go and there’s been nothing but great times at the school,” he said.

Originally from Kilflynn, Mike has been living in nearby Abbeydorney since the early 1980s and is well placed to know how wonderful the community is and how great the changes have been in recent years. The school has kept pace with these changes in the locality, and Mike said during his time at St Teresa’s he has seen four extensions, including the addition of an astro-turf pitch which is a measure of the school’s continued growth.

“It’s hard to pick out any individual memory of my time there, but to have witnessed so many changes is a sign of the school’s continuing success in the community, and that’s the best you could hope for in any school,” he added.

And as for retirement plans?

“I’m going to play a bit of golf and just relax. I’m going to America in March and I plan to play a bit of golf there too. I’m looking forward to it.”

Ide Brosnan is Principal of St Teresa’s NS and she said Mike always went above and beyond the call of duty and took immense pride in his work, adding that he would do everything he could for the greater good of the school.

“Mike was always there and he was a great support to us all. Everybody knows Mike and he’s seen a lot of people pass through the school in his time. We’ll definitely miss him,” said Ide.

“He was always very friendly and great company. He would always have a story to tell and we appreciate all the work he has put in down through the years. Mike will be sorely missed,” she added.

On behalf of the pupils of St Teresa’s NS Kilflynn on Wednesday principal Ide Brosnan presented Mike Leen (caretaker) with a special gift to mark his retirement from been caretaker at the school after many years.