Teachers spend their days helping others, always stressful, intensive work; and after school are still occupied with pupils or pupils’ needs. Weekends, nights, and even some of their well earned holidays are given to doing various courses or supervising the many activities of others.
The Department of Education, the pupils, the Boards of Management, all benefit from the teachers’ involvement. But the teachers themselves are often out of pocket and seldom even thanked. No wonder they suffer from stress and look for early retirement.

I initiated the Limerick Competition in the Waterford Teachers’ Centre four years ago, as an activity that would bring no benefit to any of the groups mentioned above, but would give a little pleasure to the hard pressed teachers, raise a laugh, and perhaps relieve stress somewhat. Feelings can be released, and opinions on current educational topics expressed in five pithy, witty, perhaps risqué, devastating lines.

The Waterford Teachers’ Centre trophy is a plain rectangular plaque with eight brass plates on which to inscribe the winning Limericks, authors’ names and schools. So far four plates have been filled. The fifth will be inscribed before the end of March 1999.

As well as the Trophy there are three small prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. The winners are announced at the Annual Table Quiz, and a leaflet with a selection of entries distributed. Understandably, a few of the very best Limericks of the year can not be included. But if you are in the right company.

The competition has given me great satisfaction, and teachers throughout the county and from nearby parts have enjoyed having a bash. The plaque has lodged in Dungarvan, Cappoquin, Dunhill and Kilmacthomas. Who knows where this years themes, "The Celtic Tiger in our school (or perhaps Tigress)" and "I.T 2000" may bring it.

Limericks as Gaeilge are of course very acceptable.

Denimís Rann!

Seán Ó’Mulláin