'He had a rare gift': Former student's tribute to late Clara school principal

A former student of Michael Moore, the late principal of Árd Scoil Chiarain in Clara, has shared a heartfelt tribute to him following his passing on Wednesday.

Mr Moore will be reposing at his home in Knockowen Road, Tullamore, today (Friday) from 4pm until 7pm, and his funeral Mass will take place tomorrow in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, at 12.30pm.

Ronan Scully of Self Help Africa shared the following tribute to Mr Moore, who was his metalwork and mechanical drawing teacher at the Clara secondary school:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). It is with deep sorrow, yet profound gratitude, that we pause to remember Michael Moore, teacher, principal, mentor, man of faith, and one of life’s true gentlemen.

His passing leaves a silence in the hearts of family, friends, colleagues, and generations of students from Árd Scoil Chiaráin, Clara, Offaly. And yet, within that silence, there is thanksgiving for a life lived with generosity, fairness, humour, compassion and an unwavering belief in people, especially young people.

Michael Moore was my metalwork and mechanical drawing teacher in Árd Scoil Chiarain in Clara, long before he became principal. Even then, he was a fantastic teacher who was patient, encouraging, kind and totally fair with every student. He taught skills with the hands, but more importantly, he taught values with the heart.

He treated each student with dignity, earning respect and affection in return. He had a rare gift that of the ability to guide, correct, and inspire without ever diminishing, discouraging, or leaving anyone behind.

Later, as principal, Michael carried that same calm, compassionate spirit into leadership. His sterling service and gentle guidance of the school remain abiding memories for all who were educated there during his years of leadership. He led not with force or fear, but with quiet authority, fairness, kindness and care. His door was always open, his manner warm, his interest in others genuine. He believed deeply that young people flourish when they are trusted, supported, guided and treated justly.

Michael had a rare holy gift, to listen fully, without judgment or distraction. Every story, every hope, every struggle was met with attention and respect. In his presence, you felt your life mattered. Your challenges mattered. Your triumphs mattered. His care was tangible, a quiet testament to a life lived in service and love.

He understood the formative power of sport. He trained and encouraged students in hurling, football, and athletics, seeing sport not merely as competition, but as a means of building character, teamwork, and confidence. Under his leadership as principal, Árd Scoil Chiaráin celebrated one of its proudest sporting achievements, winning their first All-Ireland Schools Football Final in 1983 of which I was delighted to be a part.

He also trained many teams to West Midlands Championship glory especially in hurling. Yet Michael’s pride was never about trophies, it was in seeing young people believe in themselves and in one another, learning that effort, fairness, and encouragement matter as much as victory.

Michael’s faith was quietly lived, deeply rooted, and evident in everything he did. He embodied the words of St Paul: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). He believed that holiness is found in daily acts of care, in fairness, in encouragement, and in the patient attention given to another’s growth.

Long after students left the school, Michael remained interested in their lives. He remembered names, stories, challenges. He was there if guidance, support, or a listening ear were needed. I experienced this personally through his encouragement and support of my work in Africa and in the developing world. His belief in service, justice, kindness and opportunity was not theoretical, it was lived, quietly and sincerely, locally and across continents.

He understood instinctively that faith without action is incomplete, that love must be expressed in care, support, and solidarity. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Michael embodied this truth, in the ordinary and extraordinary moments alike.

Michael also believed deeply in community, locally especially in Clara and Tullamore and beyond. He encouraged others to help, to serve, and to stand with one another, understanding that strong communities are built through countless small acts of love faithfully offered. His humour, warmth, and gentleness made that generosity contagious; he inspired trust and respect without ever demanding it. “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) was not a quotation for him, it was a way of life.

To his beloved wife Mary, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and all his colleagues in Ard Scoil Chiarain, I offer my heartfelt sympathy and gratitude. Michael’s life was outwardly simple, yet inwardly radiant with faith, patience, kindness, compassion and grace. He gave himself freely and fully to others, and that gift now returns to you in the prayers, love, and respect of all whose lives he touched.

Michael Moore has now gone home. We commend him to God, trusting that he has received the reward he so faithfully earned: “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21). His legacy is eternal, found in classrooms, playing fields, communities and hearts still carrying his encouragement, laughter, and care. Thank you, Michael Moore — teacher, principal, encourager and gentleman. Thank you for your fairness, your humour, your faith, your belief in young people, and your enduring care for all. Thank you for showing us that holiness is lived quietly, in ordinary acts of love, and in giving ourselves fully to others.

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life of Michael Moore. For his fairness, his humour, his faith, his kindness, his compassion, his encouragement and his unwavering care for others. For the students he nurtured, the communities he strengthened, and the support he offered far beyond his classroom. Receive him into Your eternal embrace. May he rest in the peace he so freely gave to others. May his legacy live on in all the lives he touched, and may we be inspired to follow his example of kindness, encouragement, compassion and faithfulness. Amen."

May you rest now in gentle peace, reunited with those gone before you, and may the light of heaven shine forever upon your noble, faithful, and compassionate soul. Rest easy, Mr Moore. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.