Lollipop lady Kathleen retires after 25 years of service

It will be the end of an era tomorrow, Friday, when lollipop lady Kathleen O’Mahony guides young pupils across the road, as she is hanging up her lollipop after a quarter of a century of service outside Mallow Convent Primary School. To mark her 25 years of dedication, school management held a special ceremony yesterday, Wednesday, attended by pupils, teachers and parents. Kathleen took pride of place on stage in the assembly hall as her family looked on proudly, and speaker after speaker wished her well. She also received presentations from staff and members of the Board of Management and Parents’ Association, and was also presented with special mementos by pupils from the various classes in the school. After the speeches, pupils played some music on tin whistle, and Kathleen left the hall with the cheers of everyone ringing in her ears. As was stated on the occasion, Kathleen is unique in her long-time service to the Convent Primary, as there are very few examples of lollipop ladies working outside the same school for 25 years. Here’s hoping she has a long and happy retirement.