'You are our hero': Cork Gaelscoil bids fond and tearful farewell to popular principal as he retires after 41 years

Tributes from staff, students and parents paid to Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh, founding principal of Gaelscoil Uí Riordáin in Ballincollig

Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh surrounded by pupils on his last day as principal as he retires after 41years at Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin, Ballincollig. Picture: David Creedon

One of Ireland’s largest Gaelscoils bid an emotional farewell to its founding principal who retired on Friday after a remarkable career spanning almost 42 years.

They heard how determined Kerryman Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh persuaded Nama to sell a site behind Gaelscoil Uí Riordáin in Ballincollig, Cork, at a reduced price so he could build an all-weather pitch.