Sr. Bernadette O’Reilly
Infant Jesus Sisters
Sr. Bernadette was a teacher in Holy Spirit G.N.S. from the early 1990s to 2003 approximately. We were so lucky to have such an amazing, multitalented, humble, conscientious teacher on our staff. She taught mainstream classes and also spent a good number of years teaching the Senior Learning Class. She was loved dearly by all pupils and staff and had a lasting impact on each and every one of them.
Her deep concern for every individual was evident and she was always willing to give support whenever needed.
There was always a calmness in Bernadette’s classroom and learning was approached with enthusiasm and fun. Her love of nature was portrayed to her class. Many a time was spent in the back garden whether it be planting potatoes, vegetables or her magnificent sunflowers. She was very musical also. She sang and played her guitar to her class regularly. It was a joy to hear the children singing along with Bernadette as you passed her class - the singing wafting down the corridors.
Bernadette’s work didn’t stop here as she did an enormous amount of work in St. Joseph’s Parish too. Hail, rain or snow you would see Bernadette cycling around on her bicycle providing help and consolation wherever she could. She was also involved with the Children’s Choir at mass on Sundays. There were no half measures with Bernadette - it was “All or Nothing”.
Unfortunately for us Bernadette left Ballymun to follow her dream in 2003. She had always wanted to travel to Nigeria to be a missionary nun and work with the people of Nigeria. Her goal was to set up a primary school which she of course did - Our Lady of Peace.
When Bernadette arrived in Nigeria she had 60 pupils, no electricity, no running water and a very small primitive building with outside toilets. She had to use a wind up radio and torch for light at night. She worked nonstop and tirelessly to achieve her ambitions.
Today Bernadette’s school has 999 pupils and an amazing school building which she fought hard for through organisation, fund raising and sheer determination. What a wonderful legacy!
Whenever Bernadette was home during the summer holidays she spent the whole time gathering books and resources for Our Lady of Peace. She never failed to contact her friends from Ballymun when home either - a loyal and trustworthy friend to all.
Bernadette touched the hearts of everyone she met and will be forever in the hearts of the people of Ballymun and Nigeria alike.
Thank you God for the gift of Bernadette.
Ní bheidh a leithéud arís ann.
At dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.
