We are absolutely devastated to hear of the sudden death of Mick Phelan. Mick was Dad to Jazz (We know her as Orinthia but she is called Jazz outside of school and would like to be called Jazz in school now), a pupil at our school, and to Chéile, who graduated from our school last summer. Mick and Leona are the reason we exist. They fought for our school to exist. They fought for years and put so much energy into that campaign. It was also because of them that we were allowed to enrol Senior Infants in our first year and got to meet all of the wonderful students who graduated last year.
In the early years of our existence, we had no money. We could barely cover our bills. Everything we had came from our homes or from car boot sales. The tasks we can afford to pay people to do now had to be done by volunteers. We could always rely on Mick to be top of the queue to volunteer and always with a cheery smile and a kind word for everyone.
I will always remember August 2012 when we were desperately trying to get to the magic enrolment number of 20 so we could employ a teacher to work alongside me. Mick joined Stephen, who is now our Chairperson, and my family and I on a leaflet drop around Carrigmore. Enthusiasm is generally high for the first 50 houses in a leaflet drop but it gets monotonous after that. We had 100s to do, up and down stairs for every second one. It was Mick who kept us all going, kids and adults. And we got the magic number 20!
Later that year, we realised how shaggy the outside of the building looked. We asked for volunteers to spend a day weeding. Of course Mick was there, keeping everyone jolly as they finished the job.
Mick is probably best remembered for his presence at our discos. He was our enthusiastic DJ, wearing a crazy glitter-ball shirt! When not DJing, he was great for looking out for the little one who was hanging quietly at the back and coaxing them in to join the fun.
Mick worked on the second-level campaign. He went on school trips. He supported our community in a quiet, dependable way. It has been our privilege to be on the same team as him watching his daughters grow and thrive.
Mick, thank you for being you. With all my love and with condolences and full hearts for Leona, Chéile, Jazz and all of your many family and friends,
Caitriona Hand,
Principal,
Citywest ETNS.
In the early years of our existence, we had no money. We could barely cover our bills. Everything we had came from our homes or from car boot sales. The tasks we can afford to pay people to do now had to be done by volunteers. We could always rely on Mick to be top of the queue to volunteer and always with a cheery smile and a kind word for everyone.
I will always remember August 2012 when we were desperately trying to get to the magic enrolment number of 20 so we could employ a teacher to work alongside me. Mick joined Stephen, who is now our Chairperson, and my family and I on a leaflet drop around Carrigmore. Enthusiasm is generally high for the first 50 houses in a leaflet drop but it gets monotonous after that. We had 100s to do, up and down stairs for every second one. It was Mick who kept us all going, kids and adults. And we got the magic number 20!
Later that year, we realised how shaggy the outside of the building looked. We asked for volunteers to spend a day weeding. Of course Mick was there, keeping everyone jolly as they finished the job.
Mick is probably best remembered for his presence at our discos. He was our enthusiastic DJ, wearing a crazy glitter-ball shirt! When not DJing, he was great for looking out for the little one who was hanging quietly at the back and coaxing them in to join the fun.
Mick worked on the second-level campaign. He went on school trips. He supported our community in a quiet, dependable way. It has been our privilege to be on the same team as him watching his daughters grow and thrive.
Mick, thank you for being you. With all my love and with condolences and full hearts for Leona, Chéile, Jazz and all of your many family and friends,
Caitriona Hand,
Principal,
Citywest ETNS.
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