Be who you want to beBy Caitríona Ní Cassaithe

Being in her classroom was a very special place to be. As a child of the seventies, my schooldays were somewhat unusual. They were filled with the wonder of a child-centered teacher that I now know embraced the principles of a constructivist classroom. Her classroom was filled with love, laughter and learning - a wonderful blend that I tried to capture myself as a teacher.

"I was incredibly lucky to have her as my teacher for three years. During that time, she encouraged, nurtured and guided me, pushed me to do better, instilled in me (and others) a love of reading, a respect for education and a lasting love of Basil Fawlty!!! She was, and still is shaping people’s lives in East Wall and even though she’s retired now, the youngest generation of kids have that same love for Nora, who looks after the school library (some of them even think she lives there and maybe she does!!)"

Nora demonstrated a deep and long-lasting commitment to her local community and taught generations of families in the East Wall area.

A Donegal native, Nora made the move to Dublin in the 1960s and immersed herself into life in the area. In a career spanning over 40 years, she left an enormous legacy and inspired generations to pursue their passions and dreams.

Indeed, such was her impact that many of her students went on to become teachers, and in the case of her nominator, returned to work beside her in St Joseph’s Co-Ed.