Related Stories

• Colaiste shortlisted for eircom internet awards
  
  
• Forgotten writers of Fermoy
  
  
• Fermoy Active Retirement Group present cheques to good causes locally
  
  
• Great team effort for Pad O’Donovan fund
  
  
• Lourdes supporters gather in Conna
  
  
• Support for new playground for Fermoy town park
  
  
• Ulster Bank’s Information Evening
  
  
• Hero Teacher award for Mitchelstown native
  
  
• Dogs being abandoned on motorway
  
  
• Shannon battles through
  
  
• Town Council to write to Justice Minister in bid to have Fermoy courthouse used more
  
  
• Call on Justice Minister to rescind decision to move army reserve to Mallow
  
  

Retiring teacher Helen Russell with all of the pupils from Burncourt NS. Photo: Sandra Quinn

For almost 35 years, Mrs Helen Russell has taken the young students in Junior Infants under her wing in Burncourt NS and on the occasion of marking her retirement in her school, she was described as a 'second mammy to many'.

The large crowds of parents, past pupils and people from the community who turned out to the national school on Friday last to give a presentation to Mrs Russell was a testament to the lasting impression she has made on everyone who has passed through the school.

Mrs Russell has influenced the lives of two generations of local people and was in the unique position of meeting a parent recently who she taught in Junior Infants when she first came to Burncourt and this year, she welcomed that woman's son into the Junior Infant class.

Speaking at the school before Mrs Russell was presented with a cake and flowers, the Principal Pat O'Callaghan said that they were all sorry to see Mrs Russell hanging up her chalk and calling it a day.

He said that she made her classroom her kingdom and always taught, as if she had an iron fist inside a velvet glove and he said that her hard work will be forever remembered in the school.

Saying a few words on behalf of the students, Aoibh Dowling from fourth class said: "Back when my dad was in school, you were Ms Quinlan and over the years, you have not only been a teacher, but a great friend to everyone here."

Chairman of the Board of Management, Michael Leonard, Fr Pat Butler and Willie Walsh of the Parent's Association all spoke fondly of Mrs Russell and what she has brought to the school and community in her years in Burncourt.

Mrs Russell said thank you to everyone for the presentations, saying that she always felt at home in the school and while she was sorry to be leaving and she enjoyed every moment, it was time to leave it now.

A weeping birch tree was planted inside the gates of the school to mark Mrs Russell's time there and to act as a reminder of all she brought to the school and all that she meant to each of the students whose lives she touched.

There will be an official day to mark Mrs Russell's retirement on May 18 with a mass in the local Church, followed by refreshments in the community centre afterwards.

blog comments powered by Disqus