"The sisters are leaving and it will be a huge wrench for them and for people in the community," said Mary Crawford, former school principal of St Joseph's, Spanish Point.

"Comhgairdeas ó chroí le Coláiste Eoin ags lena phobal uile a choinnigh - agus a choinníonn - tine bheo an dúchais."

After 46 years teaching, Bro Dormer retired as principal of Doon CBS Primary School on Wednesday last.

“I really believe that the day was a true celebration of the legacy of 60 years of Scoil Carmel.”

Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin will open the Novena tonight and will preach a homily on ‘Lord, Have Mercy’.

Most Catholic secondary schools are not viable without fundraising and that places a huge burden on school management.

Preparations underway for move to new campus in February.