A poignant day for Scoil Bhríde.

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Yesterday marked a very poignant day in Scoil Bhríde. A celebration was held for Mrs. Wall Coughlan upcoming retirement as principal of the school. Mrs. Wall Coughlan has made an enormous contribution to education spanning over 51 years.

Mrs. Wall Coughlan began her teaching career in 1973 in her native Castletown before moving on to Scoil Mhuire Church Avenue, Portlaoise in 1986 . She then moved on to set up Scoil Bhríde, Knockmay with Rita McNamara as principal and Mrs. Wall Coughlan as deputy. Initally there was just five staff members . The school has grown significantly and now had 72 staff members and 750 pupils the biggest school in the town. Mrs. Wall Coughlan became administrative principal in 2008 and principal in 2012 when she took over from the late Ted Laffey.

Her educational career has been so diverse having worked as a teacher, a deputy principal and now as principal . It was an emotional send off yesterday by all parst of the school community which included members of the board of management, parents council, staff past and present and pupils. The event was streamed live through all classrooms. Mr. Michael McEvoy presented an audio visual display where various members of the senior management team spoke about Mrs. Wall Coughlan’s various talents and qualities that she brought to the school including her artistic flair, openness and resilence. Mr. Fennell highlighted that she taught over 1,400 pupils during her educational career. Niall Kavanagh , chairman of the board of management spoke as well as Elaine Duff the new chairperson of the Parents Council.

The musical talent on display was a credit to all involved and a few presentations were made from children as well as some lovely words from the children.

We just want to thank Mrs. Wall – Coughlan for her huge contribution to Scoil Bhríde. We wish her all the best for the next journey of life. We have no doubt that it will be full of fun, adventure and relaxation. Thank you Muriel it has been a great journey under your guidance.