MIC Thurles pays tribute to long-serving employee who retired recently

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the most indispensable staff member in your workplace is not necessarily the top person, but the staff member who has been there the longest.

They’re not in the limelight but have been working quietly in the background, knowing where everything is and ensuring the smooth running of the million invisible details, without which it would all topple over.

If you were to ask the staff in MIC St Patrick’s Campus Thurles who is the best person to ask about the history of the building, find information on a thousand different things, or help with organising everything from a bus to a hurling match to extra stationery for staff, they would all answer with the same name: Bernie Bergin. Bernie, who retired in December is the longest-serving staff member in the College having worked there for 48 years.

Bernie entered St Patrick’s Seminary in 1976 and worked as secretary under then-President Fr. Augustine O’Donnell. She worked under three further presidents Fr. William Lee, Fr. Christy O’Dwyer, and Fr. Tom Fogarty.

Her duties were many and varied and she has seen the technological march of progress, starting with a basic manual typewriter, through to electronic machines, basic computers with their floppy disks to the advent of the digital age, and using multiple online platforms today. Many of us cannot even imagine it!

If the one constant in life is change, Bernie witnessed fundamental changes in St. Patrick’s College over the years. In 2002, in response to a drastic decline in numbers, seminary formation was suspended.

The College pivoted to offering teaching in post-primary education; a major change in direction that required huge renovation and commitment to make it possible.

That pivot was a success and the College was officially opened as a College of Education in 2007 by President Mary McAleese.
A further huge change was the integration with Mary Immaculate College in 2016, a process that saved the College from closure and ensured its future in Thurles.

Throughout these huge changes, Bernie played a vital role on the admin side, ensuring continuity and a strong link to the history and heritage of the College. In addition, she continued being a great support to all staff, being especially welcoming to the many new staff members who joined over the years.

On the student front, she always looked out for everyone and the many clubs and societies, especially the sports teams who benefitted from her caring organisation.

She ensured they had transport, food, kit, and whatever else they needed. Speaking at a Christmas lunch tribute to Bernie, both MIC President Eugene Wall and Head of School Finn O’Murchú remarked on her dedication to the college, her kindness to everyone, and her values which were at the heart of her care towards staff and students.

In her farewell speech, Bernie thanked everyone and simply asked that staff keep ensuring that St. Patrick’s Campus is maintained and preserved for students for many generations to come.