First
ever Grandparents' Day in Patrickswell N.S.
(dedicated
to “Mrs Philly “)
The Board of Management of Patrickswell
N.S.would like to thank everybody who helped make the recent
celebration of the late Mrs Philly O Brien's 27 years of dedicated
service to Patrickswell N.S. such a dignified and memorable
occasion. The celebrations were twinned with the school's first ever
Grandparents' Day which also proved to be a wonderful success.
The Board acknowledges the voluntary
work of Mr Willie Fenton who oversaw the landscaping, tree-planting
and erection of the stone plaque bearing the message, “In memory of
Mrs Phil O Brien, a caring and hard-working friend of Patrickswell
National School”. The plaque was kindly donated by Adare Stone
Yard. Sincere gratitude is also due to Phil Bennis, Eoghan Bennis,
Ciaran Carey, Mike Mullane, Neilus Hayes and Liam Fenton who gave
their time and/or donated materials to ensure everything looked well
for the official unveiling of the plaque.
Guests of honour at the unveiling were
Sean and Teresa Downey, Terence, Mike, Helen, Margaret and Matthew O
Brien, Bridget Moloney, Catherine and Katie Keogh--all members of
the late Mrs. O Brien's family. Also in attendance were the late Mrs
O Brien's friends and neighbours from Marian Park and further afield.
Prior to the unveiling of the plaque, Mr. P.J. O Grady (Chairman of
the Board of Management) and Monsignor Michael Lane (former Chairman
of the Board) led the tributes to their late friend, “Mrs Philly,”
as she was affectionately know by all the pupils in the school. Both
regaled the large attendance with tales of “Mrs. Philly's” life
and times. Mrs O'Brien's care for the school and her genuine concern
for the pupils and staff shone through every story. The memories
shared on the day went some way towards explaining the deep affection
in which 'Mrs Philly' was held by all who knew her. Ar dheis Dé
go raibh a hanam dílis.
A great number of the pupils'
grandparents were present for the unveiling of the plaque. The
grandparents themselves were the centre of attention on April 26th
also, as they were invited to the school by their grandchildren for a
concert in their honour in the School Hall. After the singing,
dancing, music, poetry recitals and storytelling, the pupils and
their grandparents visited the classrooms to read together, look at
project work and share stories about school-days past and present.
After that everybody went to the School Hall for a buffet organised
by the school's Parents' Association and staff.
Many remarked that all that was missing
on the day was Mrs O Brien herself. However, on this very special
occasion, she was overseeing proceedings from a slightly loftier
vantage point than her usual spot in the corner of the School Hall,
just out of view! Running the rule over school (and church) occasions
from a discrete position was customary for “Mrs Philly” during
her long and deeply appreciated association with the school. Gan
dabht ar bith, ní bheidh a leithéad ann arís!
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