We are sad to announce the passing of our former colleague, Maeve Casey. The photo accompanying this post, from her retirement celebrations in 2018, seems apt – a cake with a pencil and ruler, the word ‘Farewell’, and a delightful image of Maeve at her most vibrant, joyful and mischievous. It sums up much of how many of us will remember her.
A proud Dubliner, Maeve first came to teach in Glenstal in 1997, having settled in East Clare after several years teaching in the UK. She came to teach English and History, but in time pioneered our Special Educational Needs department. She led the SEN department until her retirement, combining that specialised work with the teaching of English. Maeve was passionate about her subject and passionate about students with additional needs. https://www.oldhouseonline.com Indeed, she was passionate about a lot of things! She could truly be a force of nature, and it was a brave decision to take the opposite side to her in a debate. But disagreements were always forgotten quickly.
Maeve had a huge heart and was a warm, supportive and witty colleague. Whenever there were staff gatherings, days away or nights out for various occasions, Maeve was generally at the heart of things. And whenever there were student successes to be celebrated, she was there too. She even wrote a poem in honour of the 2018 Munster Senior Cup victory.
Maeve became ill in late 2014 and went out on sick leave in December 2014. We didn’t know when she would be back, or indeed if she would be back. But Maeve was a trooper, and came through her treatment. After nearly three years, she returned to work, large as life and full of enthusiasm in 2017. She worked for a further 18 months, before deciding that it was time to retire. The Assembly to mark Maeve’s retirement in May 2018 was an unforgettable experience, made especially memorable by 6th Year student Ben O’Sullivan’s heartfelt tribute to Maeve for all she had done for him and for countless other students over the years.
As it happens, Maeve was actually the only teacher who ever reduced me to tears! She could be fierce about things that really mattered to her – but rows were always made up quickly. There were tears in my eyes that day too, but they were of a much different, bittersweet kind. The event said so much about her, and about this school, which she loved very much. She had plenty to say that day when she had a captive audience!
Maeve was determined to live life to the full and she enjoyed her retirement. It is sad that it turns out to have been such a short one. We can be happy for her, though, that her children, Enda, Oisín and Finnuala, of whom she was fiercely proud, were all able to get home before the end. Something that couldn’t be taken for granted in these days of pandemic. We send our sympathy to them and to Maeve’s beloved husband, Alan.
On this feast of the Epiphany, traditionally known in Ireland as Nollaig na mBan – ‘Women’s Christmas’ – I can’t help thinking of some lines from Brendan Kennelly’s poem, St Brigid’s Prayer, as I remember Maeve.
I’d like the people of Heaven to gather
from all the parishes around.
I’d give a special welcome to the women,
the three Marys of great renown.
I’d sit with the men, the women and God
there by the lake of beer.
We’d be drinking good health forever
and every drop would be a prayer.
May Maeve rest in peace, and be raised to transfigured glory.
Martin Browne OSB, Headmaster
