School's out as much-loved SNA bids farewell
Carlow native Cecilia Crowley pictured with her husband Vincent and their children Michael, Jackie and Laura on her retirement from Kilberry National School
KILBERRY National School threw a retirement celebration for Cecilia Crowley, the school’s beloved and highly respected SNA.
Cecilia, who is originally from Carlow and a long-time resident of Athy, worked in Kilberry for 13 years and has had a lasting impact on the school’s environment and everyone in it.
Like other faculty members and students, principal Louise Browne is very fond of Cecilia and wishes her the best with her retirement: “We’re so delighted and excited for her to have her time now, but we’re all going to miss her hugely because she’s been such a part of the school community.”
She added: “Cecilia is an absolutely wonderful person. She leaves behind her a legacy of kindness and dedication.
“The amount of lives that she has touched and the children she has worked with closely as an SNA and helping them to reach their full potential and the impact she has had on all of the children and staff.”
Outside of her role, Cecilia was always involved in school celebrations such as Communions and Confirmations:
“She was an SNA first and foremost, but you’d never know what she’d be up to. She really took care of our school garden and really helped in keeping that going,” said Ms Browne.
The retirement celebration on Friday 10 January involved pupils past and present, parents, school staff, board of management members, the parents’ association and Cecilia’s family.
Presentations were given by board of management’s Leon Kenny and Trevor Henderson from Kilberry’s Parents’ Association and the children performed poems and sang songs in her honour.
The celebration marked the end of a successful career and was a testament to the wonderful presence Cecilia brought to the school.
