Monday, 06 February 2012 13:13

St Cronan’s Junior National School in Brackenstown, Swords has been dealt a blow on Friday last, 3rd February, with the retirement of one of it’s most popular teachers, Ciaran McAuliffe after 36 years service in the school. A large crowd gathered in the school library on Thursday, 2nd February to bid farewell to Ciaran, and representatives of the Board of Management, the Parents’ Association, the local community Gardai and children all paid tribute to him. He had requested a non-uniform day for the children and he hosted a Coffee Morning for staff and parents, both past and present. All monies on the day were donated to a cause very close to his heart, Pieta House. Tributes flowed for the popular teacher, and he received prolonged applause from the large gathering. An emotional Ciaran spoke about the changes he has encountered since joining the school in 1976. He said that the introduction of Special Needs Assistants was a tremendous boost for the school. “At last, children from St Michael’s House could be accommodated here, which was wonderful. I also enjoyed the arrival of children of foreign extraction and children from the Travelling community, which shows how far we have come as an inclusive school.” A keen golfer and member of Balcarrick Golf Club, Ciaran expects to get his handicap down in the coming months. Ciaran was noted for his dry wit and he finished by saying: “I wish to pay a special thanks to all the mothers over the years who used to blow kisses at me and pretended they were for the children,” he said to rapturous applause and laughter. It is clear that we will be sorely missed around St Cronan’s JNS.