Inspirational Limerick principal fondly remembered by pupils for his kindness

THE PASSING of much-loved retired Limerick principal and teacher Liam O’Gorman last Saturday plunged family, friends and former pupils into grief.

Mr O’Gorman, originally from Asketaon and later Ashbrook Gardens, Ennis Road, spent his entire teaching career in Christ the King Primary School, Caherdavin. Many pupils have paid tribute to Mr O’Gorman and shared happy memories of their time under his tutelage.

One of those is All-Ireland winning Limerick hurler Shane Dowling. The Na Piarsaigh clubman was the captain of the Christ the King 2005 Leader Cup winning team trained by Mr O’Gorman. Shane remembers it like it was yesterday.

“I also remember his speech as we marched from the school down to the Gaelic Grounds - he had us on a mission that day. They were great times in the school and he was one of a number of teachers that drove it,” said Shane, who along with other former pupils returned to the school in 2018 with the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

“He was a total gentleman. It’s very sad,” said Shane.

The man who presented the Leader Cup that day was Joe Lyons, now retired principal of Ballybrown NS and a contemporary of Mr O’Gorman’s.

Mr Lyons said Mr O’Gorman was in the first Bachelor of Education three year degree class in Mary Immaculate College in 1974. Prior to that it was a two year National Teaching qualification.

Mr Lyons started in Mary I when Mr O’Gorman was in his final year. 

“He was captain of the Mary I soccer team. He was a very keen follower of sport and trained lots of teams in Caherdavin including the one captained by Shane Dowling. He played in an indoor soccer competition for teachers for years,” said Mr Lyons.

Mr O’Gorman spent his entire teaching career in Christ the King which would be rare. In some instances he taught pupils who later became parents and then taught their children.

Mr O’Gorman rose through the ranks to become deputy principal and principal but he much preferred to be in the classroom shaping future generations than behind a desk.

Mr Lyons said Mr O’Gorman was highly regarded by fellow teachers and pupils.

“It is noticeable in the tributes that there were lovely ones from people who he taught and still remember him. The one thing that came across was how kind he was. The kindness of teachers is something that children will remember. It is a lovely way to be remembered,” said Mr Lyons.

A statement from Christ the King Boys National School on social media reads: “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Liam O’Gorman - a beloved former staff member, principal and deputy principal. Liam was an inspirational figure and a gentleman who was loved by all throughout Caherdavin. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad this time.”

The beloved husband of Valerie and dearly loved father of Aoife, Ciara and David is sadly missed by his adored grandchildren Evie, Tom, Henry, Rory, Conor and Emma, sons-in-law Eoin and Barry, daughter-in-law Stephanie, brother Donie, sisters Joan, Marian, Tina and aunt Una, extended family and friends.

Mr O’Gorman’s funeral Mass took place in Christ the King Church, Caherdavin on Tuesday 19.

May he rest in peace.