Local caretaker honoured as backbone of the community

A FERMANAGH man has been recognised for his dedication and community spirit by being awarded the Families First NI, School Caretaker as Backbone of the Community award.
Paul Quigley who is the caretaker at St. Tierney’s Primary School Roslea was nominated by a parent for his commitment and service to the school.
“As the dedicated caretaker of our school, Paul consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our school remains a welcoming and pristine environment for student, staff, and visitors alike. We feel that Paul’s commitment is fully reflective of all of our dedicated and caring staff,” Principal Elaine Murray said.
“Paul is fully involved in maintaining the school to the highest standards, both inside and out. His tireless efforts are evident in the immaculate condition of our facilities and grounds. Whether it’s ensuring the classrooms are spotless, the hallways are gleaming, or the playground is safe and clean, Paul takes immense pride in his work.”
One of Paul’s most valuable contributions to the school has been his instrumental role in establishing an eco garden.
“His hard work and dedication have transformed a simple idea into a thriving green space that serves as a living classroom for our students,” Ms Murray added.
“His expertise in gardening and his willingness to share his knowledge have been invaluable in helping us live out our school motto, ‘Where Great Minds Grow’ and has guided the work of our school Eco-Council team.”
Paul has also shared his passion for beekeeping with the pupils.
“His engaging lessons on the importance of bees and hands-on demonstrations on gathering honey and highlighting the importance of bees for environment have sparked a keen interest in this area among our pupils.
“Paul always greets everyone with a smile and a kind word, making our school a warmer and more inclusive place. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him, he is always ready to lend a helping hand and we are incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team,” she said.