Gabriel McGoey

TANG N.S. LOCAL NEWS ITEMS

Gabriel McGoey celebrates his retirement after 27 years in Tang N.S.

A large crowd from Tang Community gathered in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Saturday night last to pay tribute to Gabriel McGoey who retired recently from his position of Principal of Tang N.S. On this special occasion Paul Fox was M.C for the night and Paul introduced many speakers including the new Tang N.S Principal Adelle Salmon, Fr Gerry Murphy, School Inspector Noel Hueston, GAA chairman Joe Fox, John Burke, Chairman of the Board of Management, Ben Lynn and Gabriel’s Brother Kieran McGoey. Among their many sentiments were the wonderful contribution that Gabriel has made to the school community and education in Tang over the last twenty seven years. Since Gabriel’s arrival in Tang in 1980 he has made an enormous contribution to the community. Not alone to the school, which was his primary responsibility, but also to the entire community of Tang, be it GAA, church, community or whatever. A true professional and perfectionist, his attention to detail, organizational skills, his quiet diplomacy and fair-minded approach to any situation always ensured the right result.

Those skills were very evident and were called upon on many occasions during the planning and development phases of the recent school building project. In 1997 you set out to improve the accommodation and facilities at the school. This in your own words “was to make life easier for everyone”.

Past and present teachers, Back row l/r Maureen Brennan, Geraldine Groake,Joan Gilligan,Irene O'Leary,Katherine Slevin, Breda English, Una Kelly. Front Row L/R Mairead Rooney, Gabriel McGoey, Adelle Salmon

Last year Gabriel your dream was realised when we moved into the new school building. Not only have you brought about an improvement in the accommodation at the school, but you have provided us with the state of the art building and facilities which we are truly proud of and sincerely grateful.

Your qualities as a person know no bounds – caring, generous, supportive, humble, dedicated, and deeply religious, you never wanted a fuss, always working diligently in the background but you never sought any praise for anything. These qualities filtered through in your teaching and in your role as Principal

As you move to newer pastures Gabriel, we wish you every happiness in your retirement. May God bless you and give you good health to enjoy the activities that you love, now that you have the time to do so. May the hum-drum of the school yard or the sound of the school bell be replaced with the “whoosh” of the golf club or the soft babbling of the canal water.

Past Pupils Back Row L/R Tom Lennon, Anthony Gill, OWEN Feeney Peter Bannon, Alex Stanley, Tom Sheerin, Mike TUMelty, Paul Fox. Front Row L/R Mairead Rooney, Mary Kelly, Deirde McDonagh, Gabriel McGoey, Olive Lynn, Jane Salmon, Adelle Salmon.

If I was to sum up Gabriel in a few words, I would have to say he is nothing more than a pure gentleman and believe you me; these are not just my thoughts or sentiments but the thoughts of every person here tonight.

Bridie Bannon presents bog oak to Gabriel

There were many presentations on the night including a beautiful bog oak sculpture carved in the resemblance of the new school presented by School secretary Bridie Bannon from the community of Tang.

Gabriel thanked every one for this making this such a special occasion and spoke about his many happy years in Tang. He paid tribute to the Tang people for generosity and spirit and he was always made welcome there and Tang will hold a special place in his heart. The Sheerin Family provided the music on the night and the large crowd danced well into the early hours for what was truly a memorable night.

You have left a legacy in Tang that you can be very proud of and the community will be forever grateful to you. Finally Gabriel we wish you many happy years of retirement and although the years may have flown the memories of your 27 years spent in Tang will be given a special place in the history of our area.