Lollipop lady retires after 2.5 million safe crossings

FROM top-flight sports stars to high flying broadcasters — she’s helped thousands of school children cross a busy road in a career spanning four decades.

And yesterday, the new lord mayor Cllr Brian Bermingham led tributes to one of the country’s longest-serving lollipop ladies, Catherine Appleby, as Scoil Mhuire gan Smál primary school in Glasheen marked her retirement.

Since 1968 — hail, rain or shine — school warden Mrs Appleby took up her position at the bottom of School Avenue, off Glasheen Road, on every day of the 183 days of the primary school year.