Mrs. Guinan Retires
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The following is the narration that accompanied the presentation of symbols at the Prayer Service held for Mrs. Guinan, it was read by Eileen Kerin
Presentation of Symbols
"The infants will now present items that symbolise important events
in Mrs. Guinan's life.
Teena Peters, (later to become Mrs. Guinan) was born in Athboy, Co. Meath and
her family then moved to Carrick in Co. Tipperary where she attended primary
school.
Stefan and Niamh present a Tipperary flag and a map of County Meath.
She commenced her teaching career in Tullow, Co. Clare in 1951 and later moved
to Kilcormac where she taught in the Boys School.
She traveled home each weekend on her bicycle to serve in her Auntie Cis's
pub The Glue Pot. (You'd hardly be able to do that now Teena or knowing you
maybe you'd have a go?)
Paul and Martina bring up a small blackboard and a Guinness Bottle
While working in Kilcormac she met and married Derry Guinan, a local garage
owner in 1957.
They raised a family of three boys and three girls.
Joseph and Tracey bring up a set of tools and a family photograph
On the 10th Feb. 1966 she was appointed to Lumcloon National School and among
her first pupils was our own Pat Barrett.
Each morning when she came in, the first thing she did was light the big black
pot bellied stove.
She proved to be an excellent teacher with a special affinity far Irish and
Maths.
Aoife and Michael bring up her first roll book in Lumcloon, a sod of turf and
an Irish and Maths Book
On July 1st 1975 (A big Day for Lumcloon) I was appointed as assistant to Mrs.
Guinan. What began then as a working relationship, later developed into a deep
life long personal friendship.
It was at this time also that the first Board of Management was formed. Mrs
Guinan has served faithfully and conscientiously on ALL Boards ever since.
Lucinda arid Christopher bring a photograph of the children who were in the
school at the time and a B.O.M. circular
In August 1984 Mrs. Guinan became seriously ill with Gullian Barrie Syndrome.
(Did I pronounce it properly Teena)
It was mainly through her courage, perseverance and strength of character and
also through the love and care of her family, doctors and nurses that she made
a full recovery.
Sean and Aimee bring a nurse's uniform and a walking stick
In 1986 she encouraged the formation of a school football team which was to
prove a turning point for many local children in their playing of Gaelic Football.
Teams were entered each year in Cumann na mBunscol competitions. We lost some,
we drew some and of course we won some.
Colm and Catriona bring up a school jersey and a trophy. This Trophy was presented
to the school in honour of our first success.
Mrs. Guinan has a great appreciation of music and finds nothing more enjoyable
than to listen to good music.
She has produced and presented school concerts and prepared the choir for First
Communion and Confirmation each year since she started teaching here.
Sinead and Aidan bring up a melodica and one of her favourite tapes "Faith
of Our Fathers" (which we stole from her car today)
Mrs. Guinan possesses a deep and personal faith.
In her preparation each year for the Sacrament of Confirmation she has inspired
her pupils by her own strong commitment and dedication. Her devotion to Our
Lady is an example to all of us.
Shane and Elaine bring a Confirmation book and a copy of the Memorare.
We have now reached the point where Mrs. Guinan will be retiring from our school.
She will be leaving a legacy of love, care, attention and good humour which
has had a deep affect on the lives of all those who came in contact with her.
She developed the talents of all her pupils and handled weaknesses and learning
difficulties sensitively.
She developed a very happy relationship with parents and the local community.
Brian and Sinead bring the keys of the school and a road map as a symbol of
one door closing and another opening and the start of new phase in her life,
May God Bless You Teena
Our forever friend."