Cloonakilla NS principal Mary O'Rourke retires after 41 years of dedicated service
Cloonakilla NS in Bealnamulla, Athlone, held a special gathering this week to mark the retirement of principal Mary O'Rourke after 41 years in the school.
The school community celebrated Ms O'Rourke's years of work and dedication with a ceremony on Wednesday, June 25. She is departing after 41 years at the school, having served as principal for the last 19 years.
On the day, there was music, song, and dance along with tributes from deputy principal, Siobhan McCabe, and chairperson of the school's board of management Tommy Cormican.
Image 1 of 5
Pupils at Cloonakilla NS gathered to celebrate Ms O'Rourke.Image 2 of 5
Flowers were presented to the departing principal on behalf of the school community.Image 3 of 5
Ms O'Rourke with pupils as they released balloons to mark the occasion.Image 4 of 5
There was beautiful music and dance on the day.Image 5 of 5
Christina Melican and Lisa Byrne spoke on behalf of Cloonakilla NS Parents' Association, with all members of the school community wishing Mary O'Rourke the very best of health and happiness as she embarks on her next adventure.
Mary oversaw the development of the school's new building, which officially opened in 2018. At the opening of the new school building, she was praised for having "gone above and beyond" the call of duty over the years to help ensure its development.
Ms O'Rourke was thanked this week for her trojan work and exceptional leadership over the course of her career.