Eileen with many of the Errigal College current staff:
Back Row: Roseann Boyle, Hugo Dorrian, David McHale, Sean Molloy, Michael McMenamin, Stephen Gibson, Patricia Kelly, Catriona Sweeney and Katy Mulhern
Front Row: Eoghan Megannety, Catriona Kelly, Niamh Cullen, Cathy Rafferty, Eileen Maguire, Geraldine McDonald, Prin. Mr Charlie Cannon and Margaret Russell
The retirement of Mrs Eileen Maguire, who has taught in Errigal College for 39 years, was celebrated by her colleagues, students and retired staff on Monday morning.
Eileen started teaching Physical Education in the old gymnasium in Letterkenny Vocational School in Ard O’Donnell in 1985. In 1987, the new school opened in Windyhall and Eileen and her students enjoyed using the brand new gym.
Mrs Mary McGrath who retired from Errigal College in 2007, told the audience of her happy memories of working with Eileen. She recalls that Eileen was always very committed in every aspect of her work, ranging from teaching P.E. to her leadership in the production and updating of Errigal College’s various policy statements.
Mrs Cathy Rafferty, Irish teacher agreed with Mrs McGrath’s words. She also spoke highly of another of Eileen’s qualities: “Eileen wasn’t just a colleague; she was an advisor. She always spoke from the heart”.
Speaking on behalf of the Co. Donegal E.T.B., Dr Martin Gormley spoke highly of Eileen’s contribution to the E.T.B. students and staff over the years. Chairman of the board of Management, Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh thanked Eileen for her wonderful commitment and exceptional dedication over the years.
Shaneagh Mae Atkinson and Abraham Abiola Phillips presenting a bunch of flowers to Eileen Maguire.
Errigal College’s annual Christmas Concerts were a collection of music and dance involving parents, staff and students. Eileen saw an opportunity to combine Physical Education and entertainment, and trained her students to put on breath-taking gymnastic displays.
Eileen as chairperson of the Errigal College Extra-Curricular Committee was responsible for organising and coordinating all sporting and extra-curricular activities within the College. The commitment and energy that Eileen brought to her job was reflected in the success of Errigal College in the annual Co. Donegal Track and Field Championships.
School Principal, Mr Charlie Cannon spoke very highly of her chairmanship: “Eileen is always very busy but she always has time for extra-curricular meetings and activities. She always gives 100% and her commitment and positivity are contagious. She loves the school and the students and always wants to do her best. This has made her a perfect role model for the younger staff”.
In 1997, Errigal College introduced a Post Leaving Cert course in Sports and Recreation Studies. Eileen was the coordinator of this programme and it is still running today. It has gone from strength to strength, giving graduates excellent career prospects. Many graduates have gone on to complete Degrees and Masters Degrees.
Eileen’s career took a new direction in 2007 when she became Errigal College’s first Home School Community Liaison teacher. Her duties as H.S.C.L. were “to extend the friendly face of the school and build relationships with parents”. She explained that “the ultimate purpose is to maximise the child’s involvement and their retention in the education system”.
Errigal College Prin. Mr Charlie Cannon wishing Eileen a well-deserved happy retirement
Eileen’s commitment to this valuable programme has brought great success. She has worked closely with parents and helped them to develop their skills and potential. She did this by organising various courses in Cookery, Maths for Parents, Parenting Courses, Restorative Practices, Walking Groups, Coffee Mornings… and so much more thanks to Eileen’s 100% effort”.
The READ LK programme was initiated in Errigal College in 2012. The aim of this project is to get as many people as possible to be reading the same book at the same time. Eileen was one of the leaders of this wonderful project and it has grown and grown. It is now known as READ DL. In 2014 she was one of the team leaders who accepted an award from the E.T.B.
2014/’15 was Eileen’s final year in Errigal College. However, instead of relaxing and winding down towards retirement, Eileen rolled up her sleeves and worked even harder.
She was one of the small team who produced the ‘Errigal College – 100 Years Celebration’ centenary book. She spent long hours researching the school’s history and interviewing many people, before sitting down and writing excellent articles.
The editor of the book explains “Eileen was literally an inspiration to the rest of us. Her love for Errigal College meant that she wanted to produce an excellent book. I’m glad to say that her hard work has paid off”. This wonderful book is available in many shops around Letterkenny, and is also available in the school office.
In her role as Home School Community Liaison person, Eileen built many bridges between staff, students, parents and the local community. The invaluable network of relationships of parents and community are her parting gift to Errigal College. And they are only part of her legacy. She has contributed to the education and development of thousands of young people.
Mr Cannon emphasised how much she would be missed and wished Eileen a happy and well-deserved retirement.