The Retirement of Mr. P.J. O´Brien

Mr. P. J. O´ Brien has announced his intention to retire from teaching on the 29th February after nearly 44 years service to Scoil Iosaef Naofa.  P.J.´s life story has been woven with that of the school for the last 56 years as he was a pupil of the school from 1956 to 1961.  He began his teaching career in Scoil Iosaef Naofa in the summer of 1968 and became Vice-Principal when he took over from Paddy Thompson in 1976.  In that capacity he worked with 6 principals, Br. Celsus, Br. Gilbert, Br. Stephen, Br. Benildus, Michael Farrell and Tony Kenneally.  He contributed enormously to the development of the school.  He organized many in-service summer courses for teachers and was always a great source of advice to young teachers starting their teaching careers.  He was well positioned to do so as P.J has been an active member of the Irish National Teachers Organisation serving as Branch Secretary for Cork City North and is the district 16 representative on the National Accounts Committee.

In more recent years the focus of P.J.´s teaching changed when he took on the role of resource teacher.  A school plays a vital role in any community but P.J.´s community involvement stretches well beyond his role as a teacher.  He was treasurer of the Cobh and Harbour Chamber of Commerce for 24 years and is a Minister of the Eucharist.  He has a keen interest in Irish Traditional Music and was a member of many folk dance trips to Europe.

The whole school community of Scoil Iosaef Naofa, staff, parents and pupils wish P.J. and his wife Mary (who has retired as Principal of St. Mary´s N.S.) well in their retirement.  We thank him for his long, dedicated service to the school and the community.

On a personal level I wish to thank P.J for his support and advice since I took on my role as Principal last March.

Tony Kenneally