This week was a bit of a milestone for our family and many thousands more around the country. Our youngest just sat his final college exams in UCC. So, after three children and 26 years of playschool, primary school, secondary school and university, the official education bit is done.

It only seems like yesterday since Hazel and Ian headed off to primary school. They were just four and we hadn’t intended to send them to school until they were five. The school was short on numbers though, so to save a teaching post so we sent them early. They went a few days a week and repeated junior infants the following year.

Making the decision to hold them back wasn’t easy as they had made friends, meaning they had to get close to a new lot of children, but it didn’t do them any harm. The big advantage for them was that no matter what, they always had each other. They were never afraid of anything when they were together.

I am a supporter of single-sex education at second level, especially for girls and so we split them up when it came to second level. Hazel probably took it harder, but as an only girl I wanted her to form friendships with girls that would last a lifetime. Now married, she has retained those very close friendships with a great bunch of young women and it’s a real pleasure to watch them make their way in life.

Richard had a year in primary school with the twins and then he had to fend for himself. He gave us one terrible scare when he was in senior infants. I’d forgotten to tell him he was to go to the childminder, so he missed his lift while waiting for me. Within a few minutes I got a call from his minder wondering where he was. I was in Bandon and could do nothing, his dad was in Charleville and he headed for home.

The principal, and our minder checked everywhere – not a sign of him. I remember the power going out of my legs, so much so I had to pull the car in and stop driving. After what seemed like an entire lifetime, but was probably 15 minutes, he was found safe and sound in the church. I can tell you it never happened again.

Third level was a whole new experience. After years of parent teacher meetings, we were now firmly out of the picture. Our three went to UCD, UCC and UL and I would certainly rate UL very highly for watching out for the wellbeing of its students. If a paper or exam was due they got notified. College accommodation was first class and far more than first years were accommodated.

UCC was good too and as a parent it was especially easy to talk with staff. UCD was not a good experience and I got the distinct impression that young people were left to sink or swim.

On the whole our three children loved school. Many of their teachers were first-class and went out of their way to deliver a solid learning experience. I can only talk about Limerick, but over those 26 years the infrastructure in terms of schools and facilities has improved dramatically. So, a sincere thank you to everyone who played a part in those 26 years.

Finally, I hope you enjoy our Going Local Cavan/Monaghan supplement as well as our property summer special.