End of era: Longford students pay fitting tribute to dedicated principal

After 33 years of outstanding service to Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon principal, Ms Josephine Donohue has announced her retirement, effective from August 31 2025. 

Josephine has been a central figure in the Mercy Ballymahon school community, serving as a Home Economics and religion teacher, Deputy Principal, and for the past 18 years as Principal. 

Throughout her tenure, Josephine has led with vision, care, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and success of students and staff at Mercy Ballymahon. 

Also read: Congratulations: Eimear Dempsey honoured as Leaving Cert Student of the Year at Mercy Ballymahon

Her leadership has seen the school grow in excellence and inclusivity, including the establishment of four Special ASD classes and the expansion of extracurricular and academic programmes. 

Over the past two weeks, as a show of gratitude and appreciation for their principal's dedication to the school community, students have paid beautiful tributes to Ms Donohoe as we approach the end of the school year. 

On Awards Day, May 19th, the student body held a guard of honour for Ms Donohue as she made her way to the gym to announce the awards for the final time. 

PICTURES | Reeling in the years in Longford as large crowd attends Mercy Ballymahon Reunion Day

On the day of their graduation, Transition Year students presented Ms Donohue with a copy of their book, ‘The Mercy Way’, which they created and published this year, and the Student Council also presented her with a bouquet of flowers at the TY graduation ceremony. 

Finally, Leaving Cert Student of the Year Winner, Eimear Dempsey, presented Josephine with a statue of An Bradán Feasa, which represents the wisdom that Ms Donohue has imparted on staff and students alike during her 33 years of service to Mercy Secondary School Ballymahon. 

The Board of Management, along with the entire school community, is deeply grateful for Josephine’s remarkable dedication and the lasting impact she has made. While we are saddened to see her step down. We celebrate her incredible legacy and wish her every happiness as she embarks on this well-deserved next chapter. We look forward to honouring Josephine’s contributions more fully in the months ahead.

PICTURES | Ultra talented Mercy Ballymahon students stage stunning ‘Reelin in 100 Years' show