Loreto Sisters, Nuala Reidy, Ide Kiely and Cecilia Walsh pictured at the thanksgiving Mass held in their honour earlier this year. (Pic: John Ahern)

Wherever you wander around Fermoy, the name Sr Nuala can only refer to one woman – namely, Sr Nuala Reidy who is always spoken of with the highest regard and utmost fondness. 

Best known for her singing talent and as a former teacher at Loreto Secondary School in the town, Sr Nuala has been a source of guidance, support and inspiration to hundreds of students who were taken under her wing during her many years of service. 

The exceptional impact she made on her students’ lives was evident at the various farewell ceremonies held in Fermoy earlier this year, to mark Sr Nuala’s move from Fermoy to Kilkenny, along with her fellow sisters, Sr Ide and Sr Cecilia. 

With tears in their eyes, people of all ages and backgrounds thanked Sr Nuala for her kindness, her help and her tuition, which has led many past pupils to exceptional success in music and other disciplines. 

At 80 years of age, the leaving of Fermoy was a challenging time for the Loreto sister, who arrived in the town’s Loreto Convent at just 18 years of age, only ever leaving for brief periods during her 62 year stay. 

Full story in our Christmas special ‘By The Fireside’ in shops now