AFTER 35 years of teaching at Tinryland NS Mrs Renee Flynn left laden with gifts following a farewell function to mark her retirement. Originally from Mayo the popular teacher arrived in the village in 1974 and never left. Over the years she thought hundreds of children in Tinryland and gained a great knowledge and love for the area and local people.

Mrs Flynn was deputy principal at the school for the past six years and worked a lot with learning support in the school and the National Teaching Organisation.

'Renee was great,' said principal John Kelly. 'She knew everyone and their people and she has a great knowledge of the local area and community.

On her last day at the school a special Mass was held in the local Church and a function was organised by the Parents' Association in the local hall. Presentations were made to Mrs Flynn on behalf of the staff, the board of Management, the Parents' Association and each class.

She plans now to move to Offaly to be closer to family members.