School mass celebrates career of Anne Flanagan
A mass today to celebrate 41 years of service at Scoil Bhríde by Anne Flanagan was followed by a tree-planting at the front of the school to mark the Principal's upcoming retirement, writes Brian Byrne.
Pupils and staff attended the mass in the school hall, where celebrant Fr Gary Darby described her as 'a true educator in all its dimensions'. "Miss Flanagan was not just the leader of Scoil Bhríde, she has had the heart of the school in her own heart, in her mind, working tirelessly in her quest to create a school that is warm, holistic and friendly," he said. He added his thanks on behalf of the school community for her also having given total commitment and energy to Scoil Bhríde's Catholic ethos, 'where God is placed at the heart of school life'.
At the end of the mass, all the pupils joined the school choir, which had been directed throughout by Miriam Nolan, in singing 'The Galway Shawl' in honour of Anne Flanagan’s native county, for which she retains an immense pride — especially when it comes to critical sporting contests.
Speaking on behalf of the school Board of Management, Howard Berney described her service to the community and its children, since she came in 1982 for her first teaching position, as ‘unique and incredible’. “A huge contribution that is difficult to measure, Anne would have taught many of your parents who grew up in Kilcullen,” he told the pupils, adding that throughout her time here, she had been ‘the epitome of selflessness’.
He also acknowledged the tremendous contribution of other staff members due to retire shortly, including Miriam Nolan who has been with Scoil Bhríde for 34 years, Eileen Curtin (24), Jo McCarthy (10), Diarmuid O’Connor (7) and Fiona Taylor (7). “They are part of a wonderful group of people who make up the staff of Scoil Bhríde, and they will be missed greatly.”
Thanking everyone who had worked so hard to prepare the day, Anne said the kindest of children had been in Scoil Bhríde, and they had helped to make such a wonderful, wonderful career for her.
At the planting of the mountain ash tree, chosen because it is native to the west of Ireland, vice-Principal Mary Tomlinson described Anne Flanagan as a strong, dynamic and brave leader, ‘but also a wonderful person with a heart of gold’. “We chose the mountain ash because it is said to symbolise courage, wisdom and protection, and so is a very fitting tree to plant to remind us of her. She has had a hugely influential role on so many lives in Kilcullen through the years. Like a mother figure to us all, she keeps us on our toes, she believes in us when we might not believe in ourselves. She finds what we’re good at and pushes us to achieve our potential. She picks us up when we feel a little down … and she takes us down a peg or two when we need that too!”
Two of the pupils presented her with a ‘Princess Anne Rose’ for her garden — “every time you look at it, you can remember the children of Scoil Bhríde” — and three more helped her plant the tree.
At the imminent finishing of a chapter in Anne Flanagan's life, Mary Tomlinson expressed the wish that she would love every moment of her retirement, playing golf and spending time with her family, husband Tom and their children Róisín and Thomas.
All the Diary's photos from the event are here.
