A THOUGHTFUL student at St Gabriel’s School in Dooradoyle has written a touching poem in tribute to a former member of staff who passed away one year ago.
Kyle Heenan (16) from Nenagh suffers from cerebral palsy and has difficulties with his speech, but he has a talent for writing and he composed a poem in memory of special needs assistant Kathleen Noonan, who died from cancer at the age of 56 on October 13 last year.
Kyle’s creative gift has been nurtured by Evelyn Killeen McCrann, who works with a special needs group at St Gabriel’s. Evelyn has a theatrical background and she began teaching poetry and drama to her students in the Dooradoyle school. She was full of praise for Kyle’s writing talent and his thoughtfulness in remembering a person who made a significant impact on his life.
Evelyn said: “Kyle has cerebral palsy and has difficulties with his speech, but he is great at writing and he absolutely loves poetry. He is a very kind young man and the chance to write this poem means so much to him.
“Kathleen was a special needs assistant at the school before she died. The children here have very fond memories of her. She is very well thought of and she was much loved, so Kyle wanted to write this poem for her.”
A TRIBUTE TO KATHLEEN
(by Kyle Heenan)
I can see her now during school breaks,
As she plays cards with
The boys and I,
The joker of the pack,
“She’s cheating,” we shout,
“No I’m not,” with a twinkle in her eye.
Laughter and fun she did not lack.
Whenever I hear the ’Devil in Disguise’,
She appears in front of my eyes.
Whenever I had trouble or fear,
She always leant her listening ear.
Soft shining hair, beautiful brown eyes
An ever ending smile,
Close to her, feelings of calm and peace
Stress released
We are cheated by the loss of a sweet angel; Kathleen.
