UNVEILING OF MARIE CLAY MEMORIAL PLAQUE

Reflecting on ways to celebrate the life and work of Marie Clay, the Reading Recovery team in the Republic of Ireland decided that the most visible way would be to erect some kind of plaque in a prominent place.

Following much discussion, a marble plaque was designed and erected in Monaghan Education Centre, the home of the first Reading Recovery teacher training centre in the Republic of Ireland. It is fitting that the plaque rests in Monaghan as this centre is less than one hours drive from Marie Clay’s ancestral home in Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone and we felt that we were bringing Marie Clay’s memory back home.

The plaque was sponsored by our book suppliers, Nelson Thornes in England and Carroll Education, Dublin, who also sponsored the unveiling ceremony on October1st 2008. One hundred and twenty five Reading Recovery teachers, Teacher Leaders, principals and children [past RR participants] attended the unveiling ceremony and these were warmly welcomed by Jimmy Mc Geough, the Director of Monaghan Education Centre and Reading Recovery Administrator for the Republic of Ireland. Elizabeth shared some thoughts on the humble beginnings of Reading Recovery, the interest of the Department of Education, the rapid spread of the programme through the dedication and hard work of her colleague Teacher Leaders across the country and the ongoing support of the Trainer Team in London.

Jonathon Saint, Managing Director of Carroll Education, Dublin, addressed those attending and spoke warmly about his work with Marie Clay and his delight that so many Irish children had been exposed to something as wonderful as Marie Clay’s work.

A representative of Nelson Thornes publishers from England, Emma, also shared the joy of the occasion by exploring the Reading Recovery centre as she has never had an opportunity to visit a centre to see how the books were organised and how the one-way mirror worked.

Carroll Education organised a display of suitable reading material for children in the years subsequent to Reading Recovery and the evening concluded with refreshments.

The visitors may have gone but Marie Clay’s image on the memorial plaque continues to inspire, to encourage and to challenge each one of us  we know her work must continue for those children who need us most.
                                                                                                  

Elizabeth Connolly,

on behalf of all the Republic of Ireland  Teacher Leaders