Caretaker Jimmy receives heartwarming tribute at Portlaoise College retirement celebration

STAFF of Portlaoise College gathered at the Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix on Friday, 28 May, to mark the retirement of long-serving caretaker, bus driver and noted raconteur, Jimmy Palmer.

Jimmy's friends and colleagues gathered to recognise his contribution to Portlaoise College and to wish him well as he begins a new chapter.

Speaking at the event, Principal of Portlaoise College, Noel Daly, reflected on another busy year for the school, highlighting several milestones, including a ministerial visit, a successful bus fundraiser, the opening of new classrooms and the school surpassing 1,000 students for the first time.

The primary focus of the evening was the retirement of Jimmy Palmer, whom Noel recalled first meeting in 1991, when he joined Heywood Community School as a caretaker, in what was a period of significant development at the school.

Jimmy played a central role in numerous projects, Noel said, helping to create new classrooms, improved facilities and enhanced sports grounds.

Jimmy left Heywood in 2006 to become self-employed in the construction industry. He returned to education in 2013, when he took up part-time grounds work at Portlaoise College. This, Noel said, was one of the best decisions he had made during his time as principal.

Since joining Portlaoise College, Jimmy has been closely associated with many campus improvements, including the expansion of the grounds, landscaping projects, additional planting and maintaining the high standards of the school's lawns, pitches and overall appearance.

Jimmy has also been a member of the Gambia Project, an annual initiative which sees students travel to a nursery school in Brikama, contributing to its development and upkeep.

“They say it is better to be born lucky than rich, and in my case, I was lucky that I met Jimmy back in 1991 and extremely lucky, as a relatively new principal, that I asked him to join the Portlaoise College team and very fortunate that he accepted,” Noel said.

Welcoming Jimmy and his wife, Geraldine, Noel spoke of the qualities that made him such an important figure within the college: “Jimmy never uses the words ‘no’, ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t’. He is gifted with his hands, solution-focused and selfless with his time. Above all, relationships with Jimmy are built on trust”.

Jimmy is married to Geraldine, and together they have six children: Yvonne, Shane, Stephen, Mary, Matthew and Rosie. Noel said their children had inherited their parents' strong work ethic and were a credit to them both.

Darren Maher made a presentation to Jimmy on behalf of the school's social committee in recognition of his years of dedicated service. Paul Connaughton also presented flowers to Geraldine on behalf of the social committee.

The retirement celebration was marked by warm tributes, fond memories and appreciation for Jimmy’s practical skills, reliability and good humour.

The staff and students at Portlaoise College concluded by wishing Jimmy and Geraldine many years of health and happiness in retirement.