A true St.Cuan’s College great calls it a day… or rather a lifetime
The October Mid Term Break was welcomed by staff and students on Friday, the 24th. The school community celebrated the final day of the first term by dressing in their Halloween best. But this day marked a double celebration; Maire Ui Cheallaigh, a much loved and respected teacher, finished her 30 year career in education.
Maire Ui Cheallaigh (aka Mary Raftery) marked the occasion in style by dressing up as a ‘Graduate’ complete with a long black gown and mortar board. After all this time, she has finally graduated from St. Cuan’s.
Maire/Mary attended St. Cuan’s as a student, and a few years later, having gained teaching experience in SaudiArabia, returned as a teacher. She took up residence in Room 14, the Home Ec room, which soon became Maire’s kingdom. The smell of her students’ lovely baked goods and savoury dinners regularly filled the school lobby. A stalwart of school events, Maire always had cups of tea and buns ready to serve.
When Mr. PLC, TJ Beatty, retired; Maire took over as PLC coordinator. Over the next 14 years, along with her Home Ec classes, Maire recruited and looked after adult education. During her time at St.Cuan’s College, she held the post of Deputy Principal and Assistant Principal (AP1) and was an integral member of the staff. From student to teacher, tutor to mentor, Maire has epitomised all that is great about teaching.
On Friday the 24th October, Maire pulled the curtain down on her career. The warmth with which her students and fellow colleagues said goodbye was testament to the respect and esteem in which she is held.
Gone but never forgotten- here’s to another chapter- Good Luck Maire and God Bless.