Cork school bids a fond farewell to beloved secretary Ann as she retires after 44 years

Sat, 23 Mar, 2024 - 17:32

Amy Campbell

A SPECIAL reception was held at St Columba’s Boys’ National School in Douglas on Friday to celebrate school secretary Ann O’Donovan, who has retired after more than 44 years.

Ann O’Donovan pictured lifting a glass to toast her past and future as she retires from St Columbus boy’s school in Douglas. Picture: Chani Anderson.

Ms O’ Donovan started as the school secretary in November, 1979, aged just 16, and has served under five principals in her time at the school.

She met with her jobshare partner, Niamh Dalton, and the school principal Dan O’Connor for coffee in Douglas on Friday morning.

While she was out, the staff arranged for all 370 pupils including those from the five autism classes, to line the school corridors.

Surprise

When Ms O’Donovan returned, they surprised her with a guard of honour, with pupils singing along to the song Simply The Best, and holding banners they had made for the occasion.

A reception ceremony took place in the school hall just after the students finished up for the Easter holidays, and was attended by colleagues past and present.

School principal Dan O’Connor and Regina Kelleher pictured presenting Ann O’Donovan with gifts at her retirement party. Picture: Chani Anderson.

Deputy principal Regina Kelleher, who is also a close friend of Ms O’Donovan, said that past principals, deputies, and SNAs were all in attendance, many of them themselves retired.

Ms O’Donovan was presented with flowers and gifts. Among the speeches, Ms Kelleher read a little ditty she had put together “an ode to Ann - the real boss”, as she explained to The Echo, “that was our catchphrase for her, she was the head and tail of everything”.

Maureen Farrell (right) was deputy principal when Ann O’ Donovan (right) began her career as Secretary of St Columbus boy’s school in Douglas over 40 years ago. They became firm friends and are now looking forward to the many fun adventures they will share together in their retirement. Picture: Chani Anderson.

Giving a speech at the reception ceremony, Ms O’Donovan thanked all the staff and pupils, saying: “I feel so lucky to have been such a big part of St Columba’s for so long.”

Ms Kelleher told The Echo: “We are really, really going to miss her, her shoes will be very hard to fill, she was the ultimate professional - the attention to detail was on point, she was everyone’s friend, no-one had a bad word to say about her.

“Every superlative you could think of - that was her, always so pleasant when dealing with parents at the hatch or answering the phone, she just has it all.

Ann O’Donovan (centre front) with some of her colleagues at her retirement celebration on Friday. Picture: Chani Anderson.

“She had been job-sharing for the past 11 years which suited her, but sadly her time has come now to move onto pastures new, and she will be giving her time back to her family.”

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