'No better people to work with than children' – Michael Molloy
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Members of the Holy Family PS Student Council and the Green-Schools Committee with Michael Molloy at the tree planting ceremony to mark his retirement as principal on Wednesday of last week. Inset: The plaque next to the newly planted tree.Image 2 of 6
Mr Molloy and pupils planting the tree.Image 3 of 6
Caretakers at Holy Family Primary School, William Conlon and Liam Holton, enjoy a cooling ice cream at Michael Molloy’s retirement ceremony last Wednesday.Image 4 of 6
Pupils line up to get an ice cream at Holy Family Primary School last Wednesday when they said farewell to their principal Michael Molloy.Image 5 of 6
The plaque next to the newly planted tree.Image 6 of 6
Staff at Holy Family Primary School with principal Michael Molloy: back row, from left, Gerard Nally, Liam Holton, Aidan O’Rourke, Timmy Murphy, James Dolan, Darragh O’Keeffe, Jack Walsh, Daragh Lyons, Jack Murphy, Lauren Shaw, Carmel Johnson, Bríd Conlon and William Conlon. Middle row, from left, Nicola Yourell, Shane Cleary, Oisín Murphy, Ciara Mahon, Dave Whelehan, Eimear Geerah, Claire Manning, Anne Reynolds, Grace Morrissey, Julie Maxwell, Daniel Foster and Ruth Hanly. Front row, from left, Anne Marie Walsh, Marcella O’Grady, Martha Murtagh, Avril Cole, Sheila Nohilly, Michael Molloy (principal), Anna Fallon, Jill Booker, Orla Murphy, Helen O’Reilly, Nora Tynan, Nancy Reilly and Breda O’Connor.After 36 years in education, Michael Molloy has retired as principal of Holy Family Primary School, Mullingar. Pupils and staff marked the occasion last Wednesday by planting a tree and staging a jamboree performance for the Sonna native, who led Curraghmore NS before it moved to the Ardmore Road as Holy Family PS.
To mark Michael’s contribution to the school, staff and pupils planted a pear tree on the grounds. A plaque beside it reads: ‘The legacy of your leadership will forever live on in the roots, branches and leaves of this tree. Thank you, Mr Molloy, for helping us all grow. From the staff and pupils of Holy Family Primary School. On your retirement, 24 June 2026.’
Before the tree planting, pupils gathered in the school hall for a traditional music session. Children from the Clann na nÓg classes also prepared a video reel, while Mr Molloy was presented with a memory book compiled by the students and letters from each of the sixth-class pupils.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 36-year career and never considered leaving teaching,” he said. In retirement, he plans to continue farming in Killare and hopes to use his 30 years of experience as principal in a professional capacity.
One of 13 children from Sonna, Michael trained at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. He taught at CBS Mullingar for three years before joining Curraghmore NS, where he spent 33 years, including 30 as principal.
“Teaching was always what I wanted to do,” he said. “I enjoy working with people, and there are no better people to work with than children. I have had a very happy career.”
Michael said education had changed significantly during his career, “all for the better”. Curraghmore NS had three teachers when he arrived in 1993. By 1999, he wanted it expanded to four, but population growth soon required further expansion.
Holy Family Primary School now has 450 pupils and more than 40 staff, including 26 teachers, 12 special needs assistants, two caretakers and a full-time secretary. “I started with two substitute teachers and myself,” he laughed.
He praised the school staff, saying there was “a wonderful atmosphere” among the team.
Michael said he was touched by the good wishes from staff, pupils and parents. “The cards have been coming in left, right and centre, and I want to thank everyone,” he said. Michael and his wife, Helen, from Offaly, live in Killare and have four sons: Micheál, Oisin, Sean and Gerard. He said the timing felt right for him to retire as his youngest son, Gerard, had graduated from the school the previous day.
“I have plenty to do,” he said of retirement. “I do a bit of farming, and I would like to keep my hand in professionally using my experience as principal.”
Vice-principal Sheila Nohilly, who has worked with Michael Molloy for almost 30 years, said he would be “sorely missed by all of us here in Holy Family”.
“Mick’s impact on this school cannot be measured simply by his 33 years of service,” she said. “It can be seen in the happy memories of former pupils, the friendships he has built and the positive, caring atmosphere he helped create.” She said that, after years of dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment, Michael deserved a long and happy retirement.
“His guidance, support and great sense of humour have helped shape our school into the wonderful community it is today,” she added. “He leaves behind a staff of more than 40 people who will truly miss him, but I am sure his influence and example will remain with us throughout the corridors of Holy Family School for many years to come.”
“We would like to thank him for his leadership, dedication and, most of all, his friendship, and we wish him every happiness and good health in the years ahead.”