Beloved Limerick teacher remembered as an inspiration and true friend

A RETIRED teacher from St Munchin's College who sadly passed away, has been remembered as a trailblazer and legend. 

Bríd Clancy (NicFhlannchadha) made history as the first female teacher to teach in the all boys St Munchin’s College in 1978, having started her career in the Municipal Technical Institute. 

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Ms Clancy of Monaleen Heights, Castletroy and formerly Corbally Road, passed away on January 5 in the loving care of Milford Care Centre. 

Deputy Principal of St Munchin’s College,  Lorraine Shiels paid a touching tribute to Ms Clancy as a “dear and cherished friend” to herself and business studies teacher Colm Barrett. 

Ms Shiels said that even after she retired in 2010, Ms Clancy remained a constant support with kindness and friendship. 

“To us, Bríd was kindness personified, genuine, thoughtful, loyal, and an extraordinary friend,” she said. 

She said that Ms Clancy was synonymous with determination and leadership.  

“Bríd never sought praise or recognition, she helped simply because she had a deeply kind and generous heart,” Ms Shiels said. 

She described her former colleague as a teacher who was respected, listened to and admired. 

“She will be remembered as a woman who never lost control of her classroom, not because she demanded authority, but because she earned it through respect. Bríd was not only an outstanding teacher but a central contributor to the very heart and soul of St Munchin’s College.”

Ms Clancy spearheaded the fashion show in UL fundraiser for the bicentenary celebrations, had an instrumental role in the design of the current school uniform and served as year head numerous times. 

“In that role, she brought structure, cohesion, empathy, and humanity to the academic year. Students looked to her not only for guidance and leadership but for understanding, reassurance, and someone who truly listened,” Ms Shiels recalled. 

After she retired, Ms Clancy went on to lecture at Mary Immaculate College “where she inspired and supported the next generation of teachers with the same integrity and wisdom that had defined her own career.”

Ms Shiels added: “She also served with distinction as chief Irish examiner with the Department of Education, a role she carried out with fairness, professionalism, and deep respect for students and teachers alike.

“Beyond her professional roles, Bríd’s faith and compassion found expression through her volunteering work in Lourdes, where she gave many, many years of devoted service helping and supporting pilgrims. Once again, she did so quietly and selflessly, never seeking recognition, only wanting to ease the burden of others. 

“This work reflected perfectly who Bríd was, a woman of deep kindness, humility, and unwavering care for those around her.” 

Ms Shiels said that Ms Clancy leaves behind an “inspirational legacy” and will be greatly missed. 

“Bríd was warm, loving, and steadfast. We will miss you, Bríd. Thank you for being an extraordinary educator, an influential mentor, certainly my most inspirational professional mentor, and one of the kindest, most loyal friends Colm and I were fortunate enough to have.” 

One mourner said that they have fond memories of Stair na Gaeilge lessons and that Ms Clancy was “a wonderful teacher and an even better person. Such a great passion for inspiring her students to love the Irish language.” 

Another tribute said that Ms Clancy would help in any way she could, helping students to strive to become better through education.  

Anothet responded to the kind words of Ms Shiels saying: “Lovely and fitting tribute. I was in her first Irish class in 1978 and she was a real ground breaker. Great teacher and a lovely kind lady.” 

Others said they will always remember her kindness and that she “went above and beyond to help her students.” 

Daughter of the late Dom and Bríd, Bríd Clancy is sadly missed by her sisters Áine, Máire and Helen, niece Cliodhna, nephews Cian and Fionnán, brothers-in-law Pat and Oliver and extended family and friends. 

May she rest in peace.