'Michael inspired us all': Tributes to former Kilkenny principal and 'orator supreme' Michael Hester
From this week's Castlecomer Notes
The death occurred of Michael Hester, Conahy, and formerly of Brickens, Mayo at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.
Since he arrived in the town in the early 1970s to teach in the Presentation Convent Coeducational School he has been an integral part of the Castlecomer/Conahy communities. Michael inspired us all at school with his love of poetry, prose and literature and opened new pathways for numerous students.
Outside the classroom he refereed both boys and girls in the hotly-contested soccer leagues where some of his decisions were legendary.
He soon progressed from his initial post teaching English to deputy principal and subsequently principal. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Castlecomer Community School following the merger of the Presentation Convent and Vocational School.
Here as principal he excelled and carried out many acts of kindness and generosity with the utmost discretion. He ensured every student was afforded equal tuition with no exceptions, long before the free books scheme and free meals became the norm, under his watch it was common practice.
Michael was also a great community man evidenced early on when he managed Marymount United FC to success most notably in the Abbeyleix Maytime Tournament. He took a keen interest in current affairs and was passionate about his politics.
For many years his voice welcomed all to the annual Wellie Race, he kept the interest alive, with no notes for a full four hours in his role as Master of Ceremonies. In his adopted parish of Conahy he immersed himself with gusto both in the parish and Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club.
An orator supreme, he had few equals in delivery and articulation. He leaves behind an education legacy that will stand the test of time in so many of his former students. Not too many can boast of being both an educator and a friend to 100% of his students but Michael Hester could.
He loved to sing and quite often gave a rendition of Joe Hill or The Rare Auld Mountain Dew and he most certainly would have approved as he left the church for the final time to the strains of the Isle of Innisfree. It’s appropriate to conclude with a quote from Emily Dickenson, one of his favourite poets: “Because I could not stop for Death –He kindly stopped for me –The Carriage held but just Ourselves –And Immortality." Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.
Following Requiem Mass Con-celebrated in St Colman’s Church, Conahy by Fr Ollie Maher PP Conahy / Ballyragget (Chief Celebrant) assisted by Fr Eamonn O’Gorman PP Urlingford; Fr Dan Carroll TL St John's Kilkenny; Fr Kieran O’Shea TL St Patrick's Kilkenny; Msgr Michael Ryan PE St John's Kilkenny; Fr Larry Wallace PP Muckalee; Fr Willie Hennessy PP Danesfort. he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Predeceased by his parents Sean and Evelyn, brothers Joe and Tom, sister Bernadette and nephew Robert.
Michael will be sadly missed by his wife Mary; daughters Aoibhlinn and Doireann; sons Diarmuid and Cathal; sons-in-law Harry and Hisham; daughters-in-law Róisín and George; grandchildren Elliot, Bernadette, Edith, Henry, Lochlann, Marty and Lena; brothers Brendan and Sean; other relatives, neighbours, a plethora of friends and past-pupils.