Glynn’s fond farewell to Pádraig and Eileen
IT WAS THE end of an era at Scoil Moling in Glynn on June 28 as the end of the school year also marked the last day of teaching for Pádraig and Eileen Cronin, who are retiring.
Pádraig has been Principal of the school since 1990 and Eileen joined the teaching staff in 1991 before later taking on the role of Vice-Principal.
As they finished up on their last day in the classroom they were joined by parents, past-pupils, and their parents for a social event to mark Pádraig and Eileen’s retirement.
On a glorious summer day, pupils from junior infants up to third class provided great musical entertainment with songs such as ‘ Summer Holiday’ and ‘ Over My Shoulder’, while the very active Parents’ Association organised refreshments.
Board of Management Chairperson (BOM), Michael Ryan, said Pádraig and Eileen’s departure was a sad one for the entire school community, but as they started a new chapter in their lives they went with the best wishes of everyone associated with Scoil Moling. He said that over almost three decades they had brought a huge level of commitment, dedication and stability to the school.
‘ Their enduring legacy is not just here in the school building but it is in all of the young people who were lucky enough to have them as their teachers over the years,’ he said.
Fr Eddie Aughney said that during his 25 years in St Mullins he never had to worry about anything in Glynn school as it was in very good hands with Pádraig and Eileen.
Catriona Gahan, Chairperson of the Parents’ Association, pictured right, thanked Pádraig and Eileen on behalf of all of the parents, while teacher Mary Purcell, on behalf of the staff, said that they were great teachers to work with and younger staff members had learned a lot from them. Addressing the crowd, Pádraig and Eileen talked with fondness about their time in Scoil Moling and how happy they had been teaching there.
They said that they would miss Glynn, the wonderful pupils and the great school community, but it would hold a special place in their hearts.
To mark their retirement, and as well as making a presentation to them personally, the Parents’ Association purchased a Buddy Bench for the school dedicated to Pádraig and Eileen and their years of great service. An original watercolour of the school by local artist Mairead Holohan was presented by the BOM while the staff and pupils also made presentations to Padraig and Eileen and wished them well.