CELEBRATIONS WERE held in Scoil Molaise, Old Leighlin to mark the retirement of Anne Hughes from her teaching career which spanned 38 years.

Members of her family including her mother Mrs Peggy Morris and her children Michelle, Linda, Colm and Paula, and her grandchildren Chloe all joined her in the celebration.

As a young teacher starting out Anne taught in Dublin for a year before moving closer to home to teach in Tullow.

Most of her teaching career was spent in Ballinkillen NS where she taught for 26 years as a class teacher and later as a Deputy Principal. She came to Scoil Molaise in September 2001 as principal teacher.

'She took over her new role with enthusiasm, confidence, dedication and expertise,' said a spokeswoman for the school. She introduced swimming in to the school and she trained and helped the boys and girls to compete very successfully in the Cumann na mBunscoil competitions.

At the celebration Deputy Principal Mandy Ryan congratulated her on a very successful career and Fr Tom Lalor thanked her for leadership and management skills on behalf of the Board of Management.

Mrs Birgett Meaney spoke on behalf of the Parents Association and thanked Mrs Hughes on how well she had instilled a sense of community among the children.

The children and staff had a prayer service and a tree planting ceremony followed by presentations.

'The whole school community of Scoil Molaise wish her all the best on her retirement and many years of happiness and good health to enjoy it,' she added.