Maria O’Connell – of Muckross View, Killarney, but originally from County Limerick – has taught for 39 years, 24 of which were spent at St Oliver’s. Norrie Sheehan, meanwhile, herself a County Limerick native, has worked as a special-needs assistant at St Oliver’s for 23 years.

And both received huge praise in recent days from their principal, Colm Ó Súilleabháin, for their outstanding work, not least on behalf of students with additional needs. Because of this, neither will be forgotten by the school community, he added.

Maria set up the first specific-learning disability class at the school in 1999 and continued to work there until her retirement. Students from all over Kerry avail of this service, a point Colm stressed.

“Maria has had a monumental impact on the children in her care,” he said. “Her dedication to learning has helped countless children overcome challenges.

“Her legacy as an advocate for children with dyslexia will live on.”

Maria, a keen hill walker and globe-trotting cyclist, now looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Noel; son, Eoin; and daughter, Maeve.

Norrie has supported children with additional needs in both mainstream and special settings, and Colm this week commended her Trojan efforts.

“Norrie has a wonderful way of making every child feel valued,” he said. “Her kindness, empathy and passion for supporting children through their learning journey will never be forgotten.”

Norrie has an impressive marathon-running CV, and she fundraises for charities, both local and national. She will spend her retirement well in the company of her daughter, Aisling; son-in-law, Gregg; and her two grandchildren.

Maria and Norrie also thanked colleagues past and present, including former principals – Rory D’Arcy and the late Brendan Walshe – and vice principals, Donal O’Shea, Tim Horgan, and the late Sister Scholastica.