Community pays tribute as principal of Ardfinnan National School Mairead Condon retires

A very special  tribute was paid by the Community  to recently  retired  Principal  of  Ardfinnan  National  School, Mrs  Mairéad  Condon.  Mrs  Condon  began  her  career in Ardfinnan N.S.  in  February  1983  and  became  Principal  in September  2003.

Pictured above at the function were - Thomas O’Mahoney, Chairperson Ardfinnan Community Council, Bríd Quinlivan, newly appointed Principal, Mairéad Condon, Retired Principal, Pearl Casey, Chairperson Parents Association and Tony Kenny, Chairperson Board of Management.

Throughout  her  years  she dedicated  herself  wholeheartedly  and  very  successfully   to  improving  the  educational  outcomes and personal wellbeing  of  the  children  of  the  Community.  The  school  grew  in  size  and  in  stature  and  became  well  known  as  a very welcoming  place for all pupils,  including those with special  needs, particularly  after  the  establishment  over  time  of  two  classes  for  children  with  Autism.

 On the big night  a  cheering  guard  of  honour  greeted  Mrs Condon  and  her  family  as they  entered  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Family  for  what  was  a very enjoyable and  at times moving  ceremony. 

 The members of the parish choir, Cór  A.B.G., sang beautifully. Members of the school orchestra and choir also added  to the occasion, as did  the  musical  contributions  of  the  Murphy sisters. 

The Mass was kindly celebrated by Fr Bobby Power and Fr  Frawley. It concluded with the school choir  going to the altar to accompany local songwriter and musician Stefan Grace,(ably assisted by Mike on the violin) in performing a special song indeed…’The Song of the Wind’, written by Stefan in 2010 for the school Centenary celebrations.

During the Offertory there was a special  moment when 2 sixth class pupils, accompanied  by  their  parents brought up the gifts. The parents , Breda and  Seán were in the first class that Mrs Condon’s  taught in Ardfinnan . Breda’s son, Shane and Sean’s  daughter  Rebecca are current pupils of the school. This acknowledged the generational connections that reflect  Mrs Condon’s time in Ardfinnan.  

After  Mass some fine speeches were made, each referencing the great  impact Mrs Condon  had on the Community  through her  work and her leadership  and the close  links established down the years. Thomas O Mahoney, Chairperson of the Community Council, introduced each speaker, beginning with Chairperson of the school  Parent’s  Association, Pearl Casey. After  her  kind words, Pearl made a presentation to Mrs Condon on behalf of the P.A. 

Next Thomas spoke and once again in fine style expressed the gratitude of all. The presentation then made by him was on behalf of the many fine community organisations we are fortunate and proud to have in our area. Sincere thanks for their generosity.        

Mr Tony Kenny, Chairperson of the school Board of Management then spoke of the developments in the school under  Mrs Condon’s  leadership and of her commitment to pupils and parents throughout. At a Board and Staff  event last June presentations were made by both groups, which were much appreciated by Mrs Condon. Tony ended by calling on the newly appointed Principal, Ms Bríd Quinlivan.  She presented a beautiful bouquet to Mrs Condon before speaking clearly heartfelt words from the podium. 

The final speaker was Mrs Condon herself. She expressed  her gratitude to all who organised and contributed to such a wonderful evening in any way. She eloquently spoke of her enjoyment of her many years in Ardfinnan  N.S., of the support from the parents, the Staff  and wider community and wished all the very best for the future.

After the speeches everyone headed to the Community Hall for refreshments, which were much enjoyed! A slide show of photos from the recent and not so recent  past entertained. Everyone made the most of the evening, especially many who had not met for a long time.  It was a chance to further reflect on the years Mrs Condon taught in and led what is a school to be proud of…. in a community that did itself proud in paying this tribute to an amazing lady.

We take this opportunity to again wish Mairéad a long and happy retirement.