School principal retires and says farewell by buying ice-creams for all his pupils

MICHAEL DOWLING
A RETIRING primary school principal made sure he brought a smile to his pupils faces on his last day in charge - by ordering ice creams for them all. 
It was one of Seán Ó Conghaile’s last acts as principal of Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na Mara in Mornington.
He was feted by all the pupils in a very special assembly which featured birds and waves, ships and songs. 
Hailing from Inverin, Connemara, Mr Ó Conghaile is very well known in GAA circles both in Louth, and Meath, along with his native county and, in particular, for his encouragement of children in hurling and Gaelic football leagues.

Pupils enjoying their ice-creams in the schoolyard

Representatives from the school community gathered to celebrate Mr Ó Conghaile’s 35 years in Donacarney, recalling his passion for wildlife, his love of Gaelic games, his grá for the Irish language, and his dedication to the school.
Among very many presentations, he received a special school jersey emblazoned with his name and the number of years he had dedicated to the school.
And, as a special treat for all the boys, Mr Ó Conghaile invited two ice-cream vans to the school yard and ordered an ice-cream for everyone.

Mr O Conghaile with new principal Ms Cepta Burke

Speaking to the assembled pupils and adults he stated: “I am proud of what we have achieved as pupils, parents and teachers in Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na Mara. I am touched by the performances of the pupils that we have witnessed here today and by the dedication of their teachers. It stands testament to our progress as a school and to the kind of support we receive from the school community. It also stands as a testament to the calibre of people who want to work in our school to achieve the very best for our pupils,” he said.