A huge crowd turned out at The Swan Community Hall to celebrate the career of a much loved member of the area.
Kathleen Boland officially retires as principal of Wolfhill National School this year.
She was joined for a celebration by her husband Pat, daughter Mairéad and son in law Rashed – while her son Patrick was unable to attend.
Arriving in the school in September 1981, Kathleen gave almost 44 years of service to teaching in the school.
Past and present pupils, former and current colleagues, members of the Board of Management and Parents’ Council plus many of Kathleen’s friends were present in The Swan last night.
While former student and St Joseph’s footballer Danny Hickey also made a presentation to Kathleen to recognise all her work towards the promotion of GAA in the school.
The evening began with some lovely music from the Luggacurren music group and then Caoimhe McElhinney, who will take over from Kathleen as principal, welcomed everyone in attendance.
The first speaker was Liz Kennedy who is the principal of nearby The Swan NS.
She spoke about the incredible relationship that Kathleen helped to foster between the two small rural schools.
Liz said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here and to be able to say a few words about Kathleen.
“I have always considered Kathleen very progressive with anything, any new initiatives or anything that came up, Kathleen throughout her career was always very progressive.
“The Department, a couple of years ago, started a new pilot scheme where they had small schools working together.
“But actually they could have gotten that from Mrs Boland many moons ago because the relationship that we’ve had between The Swan and Wolfhill has been everything that the Department would like from two small schools.
“And on behalf of our pupils, our parents, our board of management and the wider community, I really want to give a really genuine thank you to Kathleen because without a shadow of a doubt we’ve benefited hugely from the co-operation and the collaboration that was between the two schools.
“When I was appointed principal of The Swan, Kathleen said to me very early on, ‘Liz, if you get stuck for any circulars, give me a shout’.
“That was the time when circulars came through the post and all the forms were back through the post.
“Well little did Kathleen know what she was offering because over my time as principal, she has been huge support professionally and personally.
“I want to wish Kathleen a healthy retirement, a happy retirement and thank you most sincerely for myself and for everybody in The Swan.”
Next to speak was parish priest Fr Dan Dunne who worked alongside Kathleen in his role with the Board of Management for many years.
Fr Dan said: “Kathleen has been someone very special to me since I came to the parish here and I think it’s about five boards of management at this stage.
“I’ve always found Kathleen to be so co-operative, kind, supportive and I think of all the great chats we had in the staff room in Wolfhill and so many different subjects over the years.
“Kathleen has also been an excellent teacher and an excellent principal. She’s always been to me, and this is not just a term I’ve thrown out tonight, in my view she’s an absolute lady.
“She has really meant so much to me since I came here and has always been so supportive and helpful to me.
“44 years is a long time and we think of all the education, the good influence and so much help that you’ve given to so many of your pupils over that very long time.
“I’m always struck by how interested and enthusiastic Kathleen has always been in her teaching and educating young people and that enthusiasm has been there right up to the very present day.
“It has been very remarkable and your enthusiasm for your profession has never waned over all those years.
“So really I want to thank you for all your goodness, kindness and so much co-operation over those years and I must say I will absolutely miss you so much there.
“But it’s great that you’ve reached this stage, you deserve a long break and a long rest and I want to wish you every health, happiness and blessing to you and to Pat and your family.
“So enjoy your retirement and thank you very much Kathleen.”
Incoming principal Caoimhe McElhinney, who has worked alongside Kathleen in recent years, spoke about the impact that she has had on her career.
Caoimhe said: “Kathleen, it’s been an honour to work with you.
“You’re an amazing teacher, and the children who have passed through your classroom over the years are the luckiest children alive.
“They really are. Your kindness, your respect, the way you treat people is just wonderful and it’s been an absolute honour to watch you in action.
“The word that comes to mind is lucky. I feel very lucky that I’ve got to work with Kathleen Boland and I feel extra lucky to be the last one on the list.
“So I’m honoured and I’m grateful and I’m very thankful for everyone to come here tonight as well.”
The evening ended with refreshments after a beautiful speech by Kathleen herself and a poem written by Caoimhe which we will replicate below:
Ms Boland, a class act in every way, from your fingers to your toes. Ms Boland, your kindness knows no end, your compassion grows and grows;
A leader who inspires and always makes the time, Wolfhill has been your stomping ground, 44 years have been so fine;
From reading to debating, a new build and so much more, your respect for all your pupils is your superpower, that’s for sure;
I arrived in ’21, uncertain of my way, you guided and encouraged me in every single way;
A counsellor, a true friend, a principal with grace, you greeted me on the daily with a sincere smile upon your face;
Wolfhill and I will miss you in more ways than you will know. Enjoy the next chapter in retirement, Ms Boland.
