Nurney NS bids a fond farewell to their much-loved principal
Martin cuts the cake with the help of youngest pupil Nancy Walsh and Cormac Phelan the oldest pupil to mark his retirement with teachers Caoimhe Duffy, Blaithín Reid, Julie Doran (SNA), Michéal Cunningham and Eileen Griffin
KIND, caring, innovative and always with the community in mind, Nurney NS bid a fond farewell to their much-loved principal Martin Duffy last week.
Martin has been teaching in the school for over 25 years, two decades as its Principal so it was with a lot of appreciate and affection that the community came together recently to acknowledge his retirement.
A native for Co Carlow, Martin joined then principal, the late Bridie Nolan, on the teaching staff of Nurney NS and immediately settled in.
In the small two-classroom school, Martin looked after the junior room where he always managed to get the every best from every student.
“He was an excellent teacher and took great care in the children, particularly the younger students,” praised Joe Nolan, a parent and son of the late Bridie.
“He was also very innovative and encouraged the children to be creative…. science, music, art, he fostered ideas in the students and promoted the idea that the size of your school doesn’t hold you back,” Joe added.
Pupils, parents and colleagues gathered for Martin’s retirement send-off with lovely poetry recited, songs sang and a presentation to him by the parents association of a beautiful painting of the school.
“There are two cherry blossoms at the school gate and he always said he’d retire when the two cheery blossoms meet …and they nearly are now so he judged that very well,” smiled Joe.
Presentation were also made on the day to the school caretaker Andy Dermody who is also retiring and to Martin’s own daughter Caoimhe who also leaves Nurney NS following a period of teaching there.
Bríd Lalor has been appointed as the new Principal at Nurney NS and will be warmly welcomed this September.
