Presentation School in good hands, says departing principal
Having Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King to mark the retirement of Declan Fry as principal of Presentation Senior School was a lovely way “to have us all, as a school, in the same place at the same time”.
Those words were how Mr Fry chose to open his remarks of gratitude to colleagues following that Mass in December. Speaking at a social gathering in the school hall, Mr Fry conveyed his thanks and also expressed his confidence that the school is in good hands as he moves on.
He said he was “lucky to have worked with such good people for so long”, and to have seen “so many fabulous children pass through our school and go on to wonderful things”.
He thanked the school staff for the support they gave him and added: “I would like to point out that as I’m going, I’m leaving the school in the hands of an absolutely wonderful person in the form of Claire Dorr, and she will be ably assisted by Deirdre Shaw – these are great people who have the best interests of Presentation Senior and the children [at heart], and you’re in safe hands with them”.
Earlier, at the Mass, Fr Phil Gaffney paid tribute to Mr Fry, “a man of kindness and integrity, whether he was dealing with the children, their families or staff in the school”.
He said his Catholic faith and values guided many children and staff like a beacon over the years. “Mr Fry is ‘the tall man’ who took time to talk to everyone, described by some as a real gentleman, approachable, always had the children and their needs to the fore. He always made them feel welcome, was kind to them showed empathy and always with a sense of fair play and understanding.”
“As parish administrator, I want to thank you, Mr Fry, for the welcome and the care and the compassion you have provided to the children in Presentation Senior School over 11 years as principal. Their lives are all the better for the welcome and respect you showed them – they could not have been given a better start in life.”
The previous week, Mr Fry and the school staff enjoyed a night out, during which Ms Dorr, the incoming school principal, addressed the gathering. She welcome Mr Fry’s family, including his brother and sister-in-law, and drew attention to the Fry family roots in Mullingar.
She said: “Declan, you joined our school as principal in August 2015, and since that time you’ve seen your adored home county, Limerick, win the All-Ireland hurling title four times, and your adopted county, Westmeath, win the inaugural Tailteann Cup.
“And we have to mention that St Loman’s, the football club your grandfather Tom Fry was a founding member of, have won the county final six times in that period alone. We also must mention your grandmother, who was known locally as Nurse Fry. At one point in time in Mullingar, she was the only midwife, and for those of us who are natives here, it’s likely that she delivered some of our grandparents.
“And it’s likely we have some in our school community whose ancestors that she brought into this world. So, Declan you may be a Limerick man, but you were always meant to end up here in Mullingar!”
Ms Dorr told Mr Fry that what stood out from the start of his time at Presentation was his kindness and patience, “qualities that have guided all of us through happy days and through occasional challenging days” – none more pressing were those that came with Covid.
“With a mix of joy, gratitude, and a touch of sadness, we bid farewell to you Declan, esteemed principal and friend. I speak from the heart when I say we are all going to miss you and we all wish you the best of everything as you embark on the next chapter of your life with your lovely family by your side.”