NICOLA McGuill spent her final day as principal of Killeshin National School on 30 April being celebrated as “an inspiring guide and mentor” at a ceremony in the school attended by students, staff and Fr John Dunphy.
Alison McIlroy, on behalf of fifth and sixth class, presents a portrait she painted to retiring principal Nicola McGuill
Nicola spent her entire teaching career of 41 years at the school, as a sixth-class teacher and then as principal for the last three years. Acting principal Mary Clare Fitzpatrick recalled that Nicola taught her and other teachers when they were children.
Mary Clare pointed out Nicola’s particular love for drama she wrote and directed countless school plays, including Cinderella and Rockerfella, Snow White and Banished.
There were plenty of hug and tears during Ms McGuill’s last day
“She was so creative in the school,” said Mary Clare, also noting her involvement in arts and crafts. During the ceremony, the third-class children sang Unstoppable, a song written for Nicola by teacher Ms O’Rourke while others read poems for her.
As principal, Nicola oversaw the introduction of hot lunches, the installation of solar panels and guided the building of the two special classrooms. The Seomraí Conairí Uí Choill were blessed and officially opened by Fr John Dunphy on the day of the ceremony, with a plaque dedicated to Nicola hung on the wall outside.
Pictured outside the autism classrooms dedicated to retiring principal Nicola McGuill (second right) are teachers Seoighe Denieffe (left) and Aoibheann Hickey (right) with acting principal Mary Clare Fitzpatrick
“She was a great mentor,” said Mary Clare. “As a principal, she led with the same creativity, kindness and dedication she showed as a teacher. She guided her staff, inspired her pupils and ensured Killeshin National remained a place of learning, laughter and care.” She thanked Nicola for her service to the school and wider community and wished her well in her retirement.
