PUPILS at a Northside school bade a fond farewell to a popular Lollipop Lady who retired before the Easter holidays.
Children and staff at St John of God Girls’ Primary School on Kilmore Road, Artane, gave Helen Small a sweet send-off after her eight years as a school traffic warden.
Helen, from Beechlawn, Coolock, told Northside People it was a very emotional day but she couldn’t have asked for a better send-off.
“I was presented with a bunch of flowers and the children wrote me lovely cards,
? she said. I had a wonderful morning. Every child in Junior Infants drew a little picture and they were all put in a book for me.
“Some of the older children were crying. I would have known them from the age of 4-5, when I started in the job, right up to the age of 11-12.
“I will miss the job very much, and will miss all the children.
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Helen is well known in the area for her work in the community and has been involved in the Supercool Summer Project, based in Coolock Village, since the 1970s.
As a result of her involvement in summer projects, a friend suggested that she apply for a job as a school traffic warden 10 years ago.
“I had to apply to Dublin City Council and in 2004 I went for my interview,
? said Helen.
“I then did my training and after that I had to go on a panel and wait for a position to become available.
“I was delighted when I got the job at this location because it was so handy for where I live.
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Aside from dealing with motorists on one of the busiest roads in the area, Helen recalled the countless times she found herself giving directions to people looking for Beaumont Hospital.
“You would often have people up from the country looking for the hospital and I would be happy to help out,
? she said.
Despite retiring from her job, Helen has vowed to remain heavily involved in the community and summer projects.