Popular school cook hangs up her apron after 16 years’ service

10 January 2024

CHILDREN and staff at Downpatrick Primary School have said farewell to their cook, Mrs Bernie Quinn.

Mrs Quinn was formerly the cook in Sacred Heart Primary School, Dundrum, for 16 years and then was cook in Downpatrick Primary School for the past 16 years.

Paying tribute to Mrs Quinn, the principal of Downpatrick PS, Mr Niall Stevenson, said: “She was a brilliant cook and always put the need of the children first.

“She built a strong team in the kitchen, developed the school tuck shop and was a dedicated and hard-working person to have in the kitchen.

“She was in very early every day as she provided hot food for our Breakfast Club, which has been a great success due in no small part to her work in the kitchen.”

Mr Stevenson added: “We wish Bernie and her husband Eamon a long and happy retirement and we know that with 20 grandchildren Bernie will always have her hands full.”

The school held a special assembly for Mrs Quinn where the pupils sang a special song all about her and she was presented with flowers and a range of gifts from the school and the kitchen staff to mark her retirement.

The afternoon ended with a special cake and tea and traybakes for everyone to enjoy.

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