Friday October 28th was a very special day in Bishop O’Brien National School, Bartlemy. Our Deputy Principal Mr. Paudy Walsh retired after 37 years of teaching in the school.
The school celebrated Mr. Walsh’s retirement with mass in Bartlemy church. The mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Joe O’Keeffe PP and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Neilus O’Donnell (retired PP), Staff, children, parents and members of Mr. Walsh’s family took part in the ceremony to celebrate a valued member of the school community.
Parents’ Association, Board of Management, past and present colleagues and family members were represented in the Offertory Procession, Prayers of the Faithful and readings. The children sang and played beautifully and there was a lovely celebratory atmosphere. The Parents’ Association provided a wonderful spread in the parish hall afterwards.
On Friday, the children were dressed in their Halloween costumes which was very fitting as it is one of Mr. Walsh’s favourite times of the year. He is renowned for his Halloween tricks! Also a plaque was unveiled to officially open the Paudy Walsh’s Handball Alley. Mr. Walsh has been passing on the skill of handball to children in Bishop O’Brien N.S. for many years. Children and staff then gathered to plant two apple trees which had been presented to Mr. Walsh at the mass the previous day.
During an assembly in the school hall, the children presented Mr. Walsh with handmade cards and a retirement kit which got lots of laughs from both Mr. Walsh and the children. The children entertained Mr. Walsh with songs and poems also. At the end of the day Mr. Walsh walked the red carpet through a guard of honour. Children, staff and parents cheered and applauded him as he made his way through.
Mr. Walsh will never be forgotten in Bishop O’Brien National School. He has had a profound impact on the children he taught, the staff he worked alongside and the parents who have crossed his path. Best wishes in your retirement Paudy! Enjoy your well deserved rest.
