Jim & John call it a day at ‘the Sem’

BOTH MEMBERS OF STAFF HAVE GIVEN 82 YEARS’ SERVICE BETWEEN THEM

WITH more than 80 years’ service given to Saint Brendan’s College between them, there’s no doubting John O’Shea and Jim O’Brien have served ‘the Sem’ well – and they’ve certainly earned the respect of Principal Seán Coffey if his praise for both retired staff members is anything to go by.

John O’Shea has spent 42 years at the famous school, but he’s as well-known for his commitment to extra-curricular activities as he is for having taught history and geography.

“John is a good guy,” Mr Coffey said. “He was ‘front of house’ at ‘the Sem’ every morning and he would have welcomed generations of school-goers on their way into Saint Brendan’s down through the years. He was always smiling and in high spirits in that role!

“A past pupil of the school himself, he is highly intelligent and a unique personality. He taught German here for a time and, indeed, he also taught himself the language. He’d be very active with extra-curricular activities and was key to the ‘Brain of Brendan’s’ Quiz, keeping an eye over its structure and setting questions.”

Mr Coffey was no less lavish in his praise for Jim O’Brien. Originally from Fermoy, Mr O’Brien began teaching in ‘the Sem’ in 1978 after completing his HDip in UCC.

He taught geography and chemistry, and he has served as Deputy Principal at the school for a decade.

“As Principal, I’ve worked alongside Jim for 7 years,” Mr Coffey said.

“He has always been an advocate for our students, and has been a calm, reasoned source of support for students and staff alike. He’s not a man who is easily ruffled!

“He’s part of the fabric of the school, as one of our students pointed out at the end-of-year mass.

“He has overseen generations of schoolchildren; I’d say every man in Killarney between the ages of 13 and 58 would have known Jim through their school days.

“I’d like to wish both men the best of luck, and there’s one thing for sure: they’re both more than welcome to call into Saint Brendan’s at any time.”

Photos by Michelle Cooper Galvin ABOVE: Teacher John O’Shea greeting students Eric Kasprzycki, Cialan O’Sullivan, Peter O’Shea and Darragh Doolan at St Brendan’s College, Killarney. RIGHT: Student Kevin Lavery making a special presentation to Jim O’Brien who retired from St Brendan’s...