Beloved Fiona retires from Kildare school after 22 years

THERE were heartfelt tributes at Clongowes Wood College this week as staff and family gathered to celebrate the retirement of a much-loved colleague who spent more than two decades working at the school.

Fiona Doyle (52), from Coill Dubh in Co Kildare, has stepped down from her role as a catering assistant after 22 years of service, a milestone marked with a special gathering organised by staff who were determined her dedication would not go unrecognised.

Family members joined teachers, staff and friends for the celebration, where around 40 people gathered to honour Fiona’s years of service with cake, photographs and speeches.

Her sister, Lorraine, said the family were deeply moved by the outpouring of affection.

“It was a very emotional day,” she said. 

“She has been a part of the school for so long and we didn’t realise just how loved she was there.” 

Fiona began working in the Clongowes kitchen more than two decades ago with the support of a key worker and quickly became a familiar and cherished presence among staff and students alike.

“She had her own jobs to do and she did them,” her sister said. 

“She wasn’t there to slack off, she was part of the team. The headmaster said she was a valued member of staff who helped keep the college running.” 

Known for her warm personality and sense of fun, Fiona left a lasting impression on everyone she met. 

“In her heyday if you brought Fiona to a party she’d take the microphone and sing all night,” her sister laughed. “She was the life and soul of everywhere she went. Everybody knows her.” 

Working at Clongowes was central to Fiona’s routine and independence. Her family recall how dedicated she was to her job.

“On Monday night she’d have the Clongowes bag because she knew she had work the next day. Her life was Clongowes and swimming.” 

Sadly, Fiona’s retirement came earlier than expected following a diagnosis of rapid dementia. 

The condition has also brought complications including epilepsy, and she is now largely non-verbal.

The change has been extremely difficult for her family: “She was always so healthy and full of life,” her sister said. “Our whole lives revolved around her.” 

Fiona lives at home with her parents, both of whom are 84, supported by her close-knit family of four sisters.

While she can no longer work, she continues to attend a day service at the Kare day centre in Prosperous during the week, something her family say provides vital support.

“The people there are amazing with her. It’s like a second family,” said Lorraine. 

“They’ve even stepped in to give us a break when we were trying to manage everything at home.” 

The family also praised Clongowes staff for the dignity and respect they showed Fiona throughout her time at the college.

“I can’t stress enough how well they treated her … with the same respect they would show anybody else,” her sister said.

The gathering this week was organised after staff insisted Fiona’s long service deserved to be recognised.

For her family, the day marked a bittersweet transition.

“It’s the end of an era,” her sister said. “We’re all heartbroken in ways, but we wanted to celebrate what she did and the life she had.” Despite the challenges ahead, her family say Fiona’s ability to win hearts has never faded.

“Anyone who ever meets her, she steals their heart,” her sister said. “She always has.”  

And after 22 years at Clongowes, it’s clear the feeling there is mutual.