On the evening of Friday 17th April, all gathered at The Hobbler’s End in Ringsend for Ann Ingle’s retirement do. All of Ann’s eight children were present, including Roisin Ingle, the expectant mother, who has since had twin girls, making Ann once again a proud grand mother– twice over !

Dermot Lacey spoke of Ann’s long service on the newspaper as editor and originator of NewsFour. Moreover, Dermot was bound to mention Ann’s previous service on many other projects for Sandymount Community Services, and how she had always managed to balance her role in the community with her role as mother of her considerable family !

Ann, much abashed as well as radiant on this occasion, thanked all those present for all she had got back from the community, with a special mention for the team responsible for this newspaper, with whom it had been a pleasure to work !

In the time I have been on the paper myself, it has been an extremely rich and creative experience, where Ann served as the backbone of support, while juggling administrative responsibilities as well as being personally available to all who needed to call to the Ringsend office for advice and support.

The room above the pub was full of well-wishers, including ourselves, and some alumni of the paper. Eugene Carolan and John Cheevers were snapping photos the whole evening, and there were a lot of locals there too. Food was served on top of the wine and then, I think about ten or more people sang unaccompanied, that is about two songs from each group present.

The chat was great, as we all relaxed in the surroundings. Ann was happy with the send-off party she so richly deserved.