Annie J. McGovern, late of Drogheda and Corlough

The death has occurred of Annie J. McGovern late of Stameen, Drogheda and formerly of Tullytrasna, Corlough, Co. Cavan. Annie Josephine, a teacher for 44 years, commenced her teaching career at Tullybrack, Corlough, her old primary school, in 1959. After it permanently closed in 1969 she moved to the new school a couple of miles westward at Tullyveela, where she remained until 1977. Her first teaching assignment was a really tough one taking over the complete group then at Tullybrack. There were around 30 pupils at the school at that time. Annie worked long hours and was usually there after school hours up to 5 o"clock and thereafter spent time on homework. She moved from Corlough to Harestown Primary School in Monasterboice, Co. Louth, in 1977 and was to remain most of her further teaching life there except for about two years from 1980 spent at Garristown N.S. in north County Dublin. Annie never changed her own developed style of spending the long hours in school and was generally there long after others had gone home. She could be truly described as a woman in her chosen career. During the summer holidays always high on the list of places for Annie to visit would be the Croagh Patrick mountain climb, Lough Derg, Knock Shrine in Mayo, while Lourdes Pilgrimage also came into the picture over the years. Annie was tall, blonde, blue eyed, larger than life itself and was much loved and had a great relationship with children. She took a personal interest in the First Communion class for the children on an annual basis and these were the happiest of her special events at school. Here was a remarkable mentor for young people. Annie had a long involvement in the community sector while in West Cavan such as the Pioneer Association, local Drama, I.C.A. and parish groups. For fifteen of her last years she was attached to the Legion of Mary in St. Mary"s Parish in Drogheda. She served as president and secretary of the wider district curia. She retired from teaching in 2003 and became active in painting and craft classes and had a great interest in growing flowers and rare shrubs in her own garden. She had acquired a skilful knowledge of canvas painting and had many completed admirable examples. She had belatedly taken up bridge in the Drogheda area but for her remembering in the style of old - that you don"t beat your friend - may have seen a stumbling block in a No Trump Trick countdown. Annie was mostly always laughing and smiling and anyone who was lucky enough to be a friend was regarded as a friend for life and indeed beyond. She hosted a party early every New Year for family and friends. Annie McGovern is survived by brothers Pat and Greg; sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and true neighbours and many friends. Ar Dheis Dé Go Raib A An Am Diles.