Cathy Gillivan retires as principal of Moate school
A career in education reached its conclusion in St Brigid's Primary School, Moate, at the end of the 2025/26 academic year with the retirement of principal Cathy Gillivan from the role.
The Drumraney native started teaching in the school in 1999 and took over the role of principal from Geraldine Earley in 2019.
Having spent 27 years teaching in the town school which caters for boys and girls from junior infants to first class and girls thereafter, Cathy has had a rewarding career, one filled with good memories as she looks forward to her retirement.
As she reflects on close to three decades as teacher and her role as principal, Cathy, who lives in Abbey Grange in Moate, said it was a "pleasure and a privilege" to have worked in St Brigid's Primary School.
"The school has allowed me have a rewarding career as a teacher and principal and during my 27 years, I would like to think that I was supportive and welcoming to all staff and pupils," Cathy said.
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Sarah Rossitier from the St Brigid’s Primary School Parents’ Association makes a presentation to Cathy Gillivan to mark her recent retirement.Image 2 of 2
Cathy Gillivan is pictured with her husband Cyril, daughter Sarah and son Andrew following her retirement as StBrigid’s Primary School principal.The former principal said it was the "community of people" within the school setting that made St Brigid's Primary School a great environment in which to work.
"The say it takes a village to raise a child and a school is no different. All those who I encountered along the journey, staff, board of management, parents, past pupils, caretakers, members of the clergy, have all played a positive role in my career and helped the school become a better place," Cathy added.
Cathy said the pupils were always to the forefront of her thoughts when making decisions which impacted the school.
"The pupils were always at the centre of any decisions which had to be made in the school. I wanted to make them feel like stars in our school universe and I hope that they all shine brightly into the future," Cathy stated.
To mark her retirement, Kevin Duffy, representing the board of management, and Sarah Rossiter, from the Parents' Association, made presentations to the former principal at the school's end-of-year mass in St Patrick's Church.
As the summer months pass, Cathy is looking forward to her retirement years to come, "relaxing and reflecting" on a 27-year career well served in St Brigid's Primary School Moate.