THERE were emotional scenes at a Limerick national school after a popular principal stepped down following almost two decades of service.
Donie O'Gorman retires from St Patrick's Girls National School in Clare Street in the city centre just short of his 20th anniversary, having joined in January 2003.
Originally from Knockaderry, Donie, who is well-known as the secretary of Limerick hurling champions Na Piarsaigh, graduated from Mary Immaculate College in 1985.
Following this, he spent 18 years working at Corpus Christi National School in Moyross before moving across the city.
On Wednesday of Christmas Week, former staff and students of St Patrick's were in attendance to afford him a send-off to remember.
Deputy principal Clare Farrell said: "We are going to miss him dreadfully. He has been kind, funny, and, on a personal note, he has made me the teacher that I am.
“He has taught me so much about being a person, being a human, loving the kids, loving the school, being proud of our school and county and where we are."
"He has just been an amazing leader," she added.
A Mass took place to mark the end of his time in charge, in the neighbouring St Patrick's Church.
Mr O'Gorman added: "I’m very emotional today, a lot of parents have come in, past pupils, to say goodbye. It’s nice, but at the same time really emotional.
“Generally, it's just been a really, really nice place to work. Fabulous community here, really nice kids, and I'm blessed to have had such fantastic staff and fantastic kids."
While people gathered on Tuesday of last week to reminisce about their time working and learning under Mr O’Gorman, his final day was Wednesday in line with the school’s closure for the Christmas holidays.
Then, the current crop of students gave the principal a send-off he won’t forget with a guard of honour at the distinctive yellow-painted school.
As for his own retirement plans, he says he will take it easy for a while.
“I’ve plenty to do, but I’ve got no plans at the moment. Let’s see how it goes in the New Year!”
He admits he wants to take a step back from his volunteer work with Na Piarsaigh.
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