School retirement in Brannoxtown.

There was a Celebration of Mass in Brannoxtown School on Friday morning, 14 December on the special occasion of the retirement of the school caretaker after many years of service, Billy Horan.



Father Murphy PP was the celebrant on the occasion and was joined by Billy’s wife Betty, family members, past and present teachers, past and present pupils, members of Brannockstown Community Committee, the School Board of Management and the Parent’s Association. The Readings, Prayers of the Faithful and the singing of hymns were beautifully done by the pupils under the guidance of the teachers, adding to the personal enjoyment of all who attended.



After the lovely Mass, there were a number of presentations to Billy in appreciation of his dedication and service to Brannoxtown School, all through the years, from the many local organisations involved. The school principal, Esther Reddy, reminded everyone that the day was to be a happy and thankful celebration for all the children who will sadly miss Billy’s daily attendance and that he would continue to be their friend.

Steve Schwer, Chairperson of Brannockstown Community Committee and Member of the School Board of Management, thanked Billy for all his dedication over the years to Brannoxtown School and wished him well for the future. All who attended expressed similar kind sentiments. Billy went on to thank Fr Murphy, Esther and the teachers, and all who contributed to make the day very memorable, adding he was delighted to see the past principal teachers Fidelma Farrell and Miriam Nolan back in Brannoxtown for the occasion.

While the children returned to their school day, the Parent’s Committee served wonderful refreshments and warm beverages for Billy and all the guests, with a fabulous 'Happy Retirement' cake prepared and presented by Ms. Mary Murphy.

In a touching gesture of appreciation, pupils composed poems to commemorate the event. Billy is very happy with them all and acknowledges the effort it took his friends to produce such excellent work. Pupil Conor Dowling wrote:

Billy.

B est school caretaker ever,

I s always ready

L oyal and sweet

L ovely and Kind

Y et he does it for free

H orray for Billy

O ur caretaker

R eady to go

A nd we will miss you

N ever forget us!



Colm O’Brien wrote:

Billy.

B illy was a good man

I liked him very much

L ots of work he done

L ots of people liked him

Y ou would like him too

H e done lots of work

O ver and around the school

R ank ten I would give him

A nd one hundred percent

N o one like him at all.