The untimely death of our dear Principal, colleague and friend Ms Nora Friel is a huge loss to us all in Loreto, Letterkenny. Nora was much loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her and the legacy that Nora left will continue to be an inspiration to us all in the difficult days and weeks ahead.
Nora left a huge mark on the educational landscape of Donegal and indeed much further afield. She began her teaching career in Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny in1981 where she taught Home Economics. Her students fondly remember her as a kind, caring lady who was endlessly generous with her time supporting others. Nora never forgot a face and took great care in making people feel valued, respected and cared for. She was an excellent teacher and led many national initiatives in Home Economics education.
Nora left us in 2004 to take up her role as a member of the Inspectorate. During her time with the Department Nora used her wealth of experience and knowledge to progress education policy in the areas of Home Economics, Social, Personal and Health Education and Teacher Education. Her colleagues in the Department fondly remember her friendship, sense of fun and indeed her generosity in sharing her expertise with her colleagues.
We were truly delighted when Nora returned to Loreto Letterkenny as Deputy Principal in 2011 She later became Principal in 2015. Nora embodied the Loreto ethos and as school leader she displayed a steadfast commitment to providing high quality student centred holistic learning experiences. Nora was incredibly proud of all the students and staff of Loreto Letterkenny and recognised the strengths of each individual. She was a woman on an endless mission to encourage, support and inspire us all to be the best we can be.
As a school community we consider ourselves very lucky to have had the benefit of her kindness and dedication for so many years. Nora’s kindness, dedication and respect will never be forgotton. Nora’s death is so final but we take strength every day in knowing that death is not the end, just the beginning. “Ar dheis dé go raibh a h-anam”.