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A definition of retirement as going away, withdrawing, is not one we will associate with Rev. Hazel Minion, as she takes up her retirement at the end of the school year in Ashton.

Having spent the past twenty seven years of her working life in Ashton, originally from Wicklow, she has developed an outstanding profile in her determination to complement the work of her predecessors in relation to Chaplaincy and to embark on ambitious programmes of student inclusiveness in her ministry.

Hazel Minion was initially appointed as a teacher of English to Ashton in August 1979, which she taught using the interim guidelines. During this period, she was also responsible for the library (until the end of the academic year 1987/1988), and supervised its development over that period. She still regards the library as a significant room in the school, testament to her strong conviction of the importance of reading and research.

The role of Chaplaincy beckoned and Hazel Minion accepted the call. She began her role as Chaplain in Ashton in September 1996. From this initial role, she pursued the call and spent four demanding years of study and much travelling to Dublin at weekends, while maintaining her Chaplaincy role and that of Religion teacher in Ashton. She was ordained in June 2004 at a memorable ordination ceremony in St. Finbarre’s Cathedral, a superb achievement.

She has carried out her priestly role, with that of Chaplaincy in Ashton, patiently and in prayerful reverence. Her sensitive and above all caring assistance in all situations, happy, sad and profound, has been a great source of strength for us all. In this she was supported by family, staff, students and friends. We recognise and applaud her superb achievement.

Testimony of the impact of her work with students was evident recently as she celebrated her final Holy Communion Service in school, with students coming forward, wanting to be part of it. Principal, Mr. Smith, welcomed the congregation warmly and commended Rev. Hazel Minion on her unstinting loyalty to Ashton and the Christian principles it upholds. Fifth Year student Colin Ross wrote an instrumental piece of music dedicated to Rev. Hazel Minion and presented it to her, along with a taped recording of the entire Service, ably assisted by fellow-students Thomas Cotter and Niall Nicholson.
 Students from various year groups and staff read intercession prayers, and brought Offertory Gifts symbolising her contribution to life in Ashton in a prayerful and moving celebration. At the conclusion, Anna Coughlan 6th Year, presented her with a bouquet of flowers, as she too embarks on life’s journey.

Rev. Hazel Minion has had various other roles in the school over the last 27 years. She has served as First Year Co-ordinator. She has also been in charge of Transition Year Community Action Programme for many years. Simultaneously she has been a member of the Pastoral Care Team, co-ordinated and developed the Leaving Cert. Graduation Service, Action Week , Advent and Easter Services, and weekly Holy Communion Service. She has been an important source of spiritual inspiration in the school, marrying both deed and word in the lives of all.

Finally, being the Head of the Religion Department, she ensured creative enthusiasm for the teaching of Religion, whilst providing a caring and understanding approach in the support of her teaching colleagues, epitomising the life of Christ in all that she said and did.

We look forward to having her healing presence with us for other occasions in Ashton in the future, therefore we say ‘Cheerio’, (but not good-bye) and summon all God’s blessings on her as she journeys on in life.
Geraldine Collins

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Mr. Deane making a presentation to Hazel on behalf of the Ashton Board of Management

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