Emotional scenes at Limerick school as principal retires after two-decades in the role

THERE were emotional scenes at a Limerick national school this week 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 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.

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Following this, he spent 18 years working at Corpus Christi National School in Moyross before moving across the city.

On Wednesday, former staff and students of St Patrick's were in attendance to afford Mr O'Gorman 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: "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."