Ann Delaney, Biology Teacher, and Kay O’Meara, Business  Teacher, along with Bertie Smith, Principal, retire this summer with well over  a century of teaching completed  between  them.  Their accumulated wisdom,  knowledge and supportive spirit will be missed sorely.  At a recent Assembly, Cathal Merz Second Year,  presented Kay O’Meara with a gift from   the students , as did Sixth Year student  Aibhin O’Brien   to Ann Delaney.  Student Council  Chairman  Oisin Cotter 6th  Year,  presented a gift to Bertie Smith,  followed by a spontaneous standing ovation,  and sustained applause, such was the appreciation and fondness with which these  three most respected  teachers were held.

The Board of Management presents gifts to retiring teachers

Ann Delaney  B.Sc. PhD.,came to Ashton to teach Biology in  1975. On initially joining Ashton, Ann joined the Geography Teachers as a  member of the Social and Environmental Studies Programme (SESP).  Following this, she joined a group in Trinity  College working on a new exciting Junior Science programme, the Integrated  Science Curriculum Innovation Project,  and  led Ashton as a Pilot School for this programme. The introduction of Transition  Year was regarded as ‘futuristic thinking’ at a national level, and required  much debate and discussion, hence needing careful co-ordination, and meticulous  curricular planning.  Ann Delaney was the  first Co-Ordinator of TY in Ashton, taking the introduction of such a  prestigious programme in her ‘inimitable’ stride, and remained at the helm for  four years, such was the success of her role. Ann was an avid supporter of  hockey, tennis and sport in general.  As  a parent of three daughters who were successfully educated at Ashton, she  espoused the value of sport, hockey and   tennis as a worthwhile balance to   generate  positive educational  outcomes. Ann fostered links with UCC in supervising Diploma students and  passing on her pedagogical skills. Mpumfeedzamuspo . Her ability to think clearly and  incisively,  meant  she was organised and focused in her directions  to both students and staff,  thus  maintaining a clear work ethic at all times. To her colleagues,  she was the ‘voice of reason’, always available to listen, and equally as  important, prepared to discreetly intervene.   A master skill in terms of staff morale.   Ann’s  energetic, fun-loving  personality brought a sense of positivity to any serious situation which arose,  in any given school-day.

Kay O’Meara  B. Comm. joined Ashton in 1978 and  taught Secretarial Classes for almost two  decades. During this period, Secretarial Student,  Susie Whiting, was awarded the prestigious  Secretary of the Year Award by Cork Chamber of Commerce.   In  1990, Kay qualified as an Assessor with the Royal Society of Arts Exams  (R.S.A.).  She followed this, by leading  the introduction of the new Business Syllabus  to Ashton.  The introduction of the  Leaving Cert. Vocational Preparation Programme was co-ordinated by Kay also,  where business acumen and foresight were hallmarks of her professionalism.  This programme focused on the world of work  and enterprise, requiring liaison with Cork City Enterprise Board, and local  Business initiatives.  The School Bank and  Mini-Company were also co-ordinated by Kay O’Meara, with students challenged to  develop business initiatives, and undertake management roles. Kay  has  been  an irreplaceably loyal ‘friend’ to  her colleagues. She supported us with discreet words of encouragement  and   affirmation, never letting an opportunity to give due recognition slip  her attention.  Her sense of humour and  wonderful stories regaled many a break-time, keeping us entertained, and these  stories  carried many a tired, teacher  through the day.  Her masterful,  discreet  interventions in many difficult  situations, is a skill we will all miss.  She was highly respected by her students for  her honesty and dedication.  Her sharp  business intellect concealed a warm-hearted, generous-spirited, honest professional.  We look forward to the forthcoming retirement  function in October  for Principal Bertie  Smith,  about which,  more will be included in a later edition.At a  most convivial, warm-hearted  function,  held in Ashton, presentations were made by Staff and Board of Management,  represented by Bishop Paul Colton, and Alison Flack,  to Ann Delaney,  Kay O’Meara, and Bertie Smith in recognition  of their many years of fruitful pedagogy, and enhancement of education of the students  at  Ashton, and enduring friendship to all.

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