Laois school pays tribute to 'selfless' solution focused retiring caretaker
‘Jimmy never uses the words ‘no’, ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t’. He is gifted with his hands, solution-focused and selfless with his time’
Staff of Portlaoise College gathered at the Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix last Friday evening to celebrate the end of another successful school year and to mark the retirement of long-serving caretaker, bus driver and all-around raconteur, Jimmy Palmer.
The occasion brought together Jimmy's colleagues to recognise his contribution to the school and to wish him well as he begins a new chapter after his dedicated service.
Speaking at the event, Principal Noel Daly reflected on another busy year for the school, highlighting a number of milestones including a ministerial visit, a successful bus fundraiser, the opening of new classrooms and the school surpassing 1,000 students for the first time.
However, the main focus of the evening was the retirement of Jimmy Palmer, whom Mr Daly described as a unique and highly valued member of the school community.
Welcoming Jimmy and his wife, Geraldine, Mr Daly spoke of the qualities that made him such an important figure within the college.
“Jimmy never uses the words ‘no’, ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t’. He is gifted with his hands, solution-focused and selfless with his time. Above all, relationships with Jimmy are built on trust,” he said.
Jimmy is married to Geraldine, and together they have six children — Yvonne, Shane, Stephen, Mary, Matthew and Rosie. Noel said their children had inherited their parents' strong work ethic and were a credit to them both.
Reflecting on Jimmy's career, Noel recalled first meeting him in 1991 when he joined Heywood Community School as a caretaker. During a period of significant development at the school, Jimmy played a central role in numerous projects, helping to create new classrooms, improved facilities and enhanced sports grounds.
After leaving Heywood in 2006 to become self-employed in the construction industry, Jimmy returned to education in 2013 when he took up part-time grounds work at Portlaoise College. This Noel said was one of the best decisions he had made during his time as principal. Since joining Portlaoise College, Jimmy has been closely associated with many improvements around the campus, including the expansion of the grounds, a member of the Gambia Project, landscaping projects, additional planting and maintaining the high standards of the school's lawns, pitches and overall appearance.
“They say it is better to be born lucky than rich, and in my case, I was lucky that I met Jimmy back in 1991 and extremely lucky, as a relatively new principal, that I asked him to join the Portlaoise College team and very fortunate that he accepted,” Noel said.
During the evening, Darren Maher made a presentation to Jimmy on behalf of the school's social committee in recognition of his years of dedicated service. Paul Connaughton also presented flowers to Geraldine on behalf of the social committee.
The retirement celebration was marked by warm tributes, fond memories and appreciation for a man whose practical skills, reliability and good humour have left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike. The staff and students at Portlaoise College concluded by wishing Jimmy and Geraldine many years of health and happiness in retirement.