Tributes paid to a dedicated teacher on her retirement from a Tipperary school

Tributes were paid to Siobhán Purcell on her retirement from Gaelscoil Chluain Meala where she worked since 1996.
To mark Múinteoir Siobhán’s retirement, a special assembly was held on Monday, June 24 as a tribute to her.

The hall was decorated with bunting and art work by Rang 5. Presentations were by the Board of Management, Coiste na dTuismitheoirí , her colleagues and her class. The gifts were chosen to reflect the legacy she has left which includes setting up the Green Schools Committee and the attainment of seven green flags.
She has a very strong connection to Irishtown as she was raised under the West Gate and worked in othe school whose crest incorporates the same iconic building.

Megan Wynne presented her with a painting of it and the board presented her with a print depicting the West Gate too. Anyone who knows Múinteoir Siobhán knows that she has her own elegant style and loves earrings. A pair of earrings was commissioned by Rory Donohue, Silversmith, to represent the 17 sustainability goals which she will wear with pride. Her class also presented her with a memento and of course another pair of unique earrings. She also received a hazelnut tree and some garden equipment for her raised beds. As is our tradition, a special song was commissioned for the occasion by Rang 6 to give a sense of what she means to us to the tune of Mamma Mia.

“Her family were special guests of the school on the day and her daughter Méadhbh, added to the occasion by baking a cake as part of our celebration. She will be missed by us all as a teacher and a well-loved colleague. We thank Múinteoir Siobhán for her dedication and hard work in our school and wish her well,” said Karen Mhic Gearailt, Príomhoide Gaelscoil Chluain Meala.