Con bows out to great appreciation

Ahiohill NS principal Con McCarthy (back right) pictured with pupils and teachers at a farewell mass to mark his retirement during which numerous tributes were paid to him.

ONE of Ahiohill’s most prominent citizens was honoured by the local community on his retirement at the end of June after just under 40 years of dedicated service as principal of the local primary school.

Con McCarthy came to Ahiohill NS as principal in October 1975 when it was a 38-pupil, two-teacher school. Today it boasts three classroom teachers, provides a base for a learning support teacher and has 65 pupils on roll for September 2015.

It is modern, well-equipped school with a state-of-the-art extension, which was opened in 2007. All of this progress is attributed to Con’s sheer hard work and dedication over the past 40 years.

He was a totally committed teacher and a very effective principal who achieved much. Con has a particular interest in local history and produced many films with the children for which they recieved numerous awards. His love of sport helped inspire the schoolchildren in winning many Sciath na Scol titles over the years.

Adapted

The secret of his success is down to how well he adapted to many changes during his tenure in Ahiohill and he has always been an active member of a very vibrant community. This will, no doubt, help him in adapting to the changes this new phase of his life may bring after retirement.

Con will be sadly missed in the school by pupils, parents and teachers alike, and was thanked profusely for the tremendous contribution he made. At a farewell mass, he was wished a long, happy, healthy and fulfilled retirement.