It was so fitting, that reading, a few days after: "We give thanks to the father who has made it possible for you to join the saints and with them to inherit the light." It seemed a sign of approbation of a long and full life in the service of the light, and ending in its inheritance. Nora was born in her beloved Baile Mhuirne, her parents both national teachers and "Gaeilge acu o dhuchais". It was in that environment that she encountered the twin strands of education and deep practical patriotism that were to inform her entire later life.
She attended the Irish School at Loreto College, St Stephen's Green and from there went to Kilmacud College of Domestic Science. Her first teaching appointment in 1936 was under the Kilkenny Vocational Education Authority in Coon Vocational School, Co Kilkenny. Vocational education was then in its infancy and it was teachers of the calibre of Nora Hennessy who pioneered the way. She organised night classes in Coon and Castlecomer and all travel was over hazardous roads by bicycle. Nourishing meals were provided in the domestic science class, helping to soften the hardship of those days.
Her next position was in Kilkenny itself and the night classes continued in outlying areas. In 1947 Nora came to Borris, Co Carlow, and in the same year married her former principal in Coon, Mr James Hennessy, by then principal in Borris. Despite the marriage ban, her contribution to education continued through her involvement in substitute and short-term teaching positions.
In the late 1950s she was invited by the Department of Education to become an examiner in practical work. Her fluency in and love of the language led to much of that work being in the Gaeltacht areas. Appointed inspector, she again worked tirelessly there and later on was given responsibilities for many counties in the East and South. As an inspector and examiner she is remembered as being both understanding and appreciative, always mindful of the difficult conditions under which many teachers worked. Her work also involved considerable input into teacher training and curriculum development.
An avid reader, she meticulously kept fully up to date with all new developments in her subject, acted as examiner for graduate students in Home Economics and was responsible for the training of many present inspectors, who remember her with affection. "She cared" was a continual refrain as they talked of her and the care she extended to the wellbeing of their entire families. Asked to remain on well past normal retirement, she continued to be involved in examination administration up to 1993.
Her life was infused and lived with a deep and undemonstrative faith. She was a long-serving member of the Apostolic Work Society in Borris, where her craft and skill found ample opportunity. For many years she played an important part in local ICA affairs, serving as president of the Borris guild and hosting visitors to international conferences. Always in demand, she found time to help initiate the BIM Fish Cookery Competition and worked as consultant and judge in its early days.
A strong, determined woman, Nora knew liberation before the term was coined. She was aware of women's rights and championed them from the outset. Her genuine love of her subject was rooted in an appreciation of excellence and a delight in skill and good craft. A highly intelligent woman, she enjoyed good conversation and the companionship of her friends. She had a finely tuned and infectious sense of humour and derived great satisfaction from the foibles of life. Her gift of gentle irony put paid to much pomposity. Her own nature being true, loyal and direct, affectation affronted her and "airs" received short shrift.
Nora's passing was accomplished as she had lived, with dignity, grace and appreciation. Shortly after entering Waterford Regional Hospital she rallied and was making great progress with the wonderful care she received there. Her speech - and with it, her sense of amused humour - was back. She was in a happy and positive frame of mind and anticipating going home "to be waited upon". And indeed she slipped quietly home, peacefully and without stress, when the Master called. Ar dheis De, i measc na naomh uile, go raibh a h-anam dhilis.