The former vice-principal and head of careers at St Michael's Grammar School died on April 18, after a long struggle against illness which forced her to retire prematurely in 2001.

Nora joined the school where she taught for 30 years, following her education at Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry, St Michael’s and Queen’s University.

Throughout her career Nora continued to develop her professional expertise by part-time study at Queen’s and the University of Ulster, where she was awarded a Diploma in Advanced Studies and a Master’s degree in education management respectively.

In 1972 St Michael’s, in line with the Dickson Plan changed from a girls grammar school to life as a mixed education setting allowing boys aged 14-19 to attend.

This was an enormous challenge for management and staff, a challenge which Nora wholeheartedly embraced, relishing the opportunity to participate in the growth of a vibrant and dynamic co-educational school.

As well as teaching A Level ancient history and geography, Nora quickly developed a thriving careers department which helped students grow awareness of the varied opportunities open to them in the wider academic, professional and vocational worlds.

She forged personal links with universities across the globe, including Oxford, Cambridge and universities in the US in order to expand her pupils’ career opportunities.

She organised a variety of school trips - from the subterranean caves of Fermanagh to the ancient temples of Greece – which helped to fire her pupils' curiosity and stimulated their imagination.

Former head of English, Michael Russell said: "Nora instilled a sense of self-belief and the realisation that through endeavour and God-given gifts they could achieve their goals.

"One of Nora’s most endearing characteristics, according to her past pupils, was her belief in fair play and justice.

"She enthusiastically encouraged those not destined to be the highest academic achievers to maximise their potential so that their contributions to society would be nurtured and recognised."

Nora donated the Gethins-McCloskey cup awarded annually in St Michael's since 1981 for 'contribution to the life of the school' in recognition of outstanding social cultural and charitable endeavour.

Michael continued: "Nora was described as a true educator, she helped to build on pupils' potential and also moulded and trained them into developed citizens and Christian adults.

"She was very popular with students and loved by her teaching colleagues and other staff who sadly regret her passing.

"As vice-principal and a teacher she was always very supportive of colleagues and keenly aware of the demands of the teaching profession.

"Above all, she will be remembered by them for her unselfishness, kindness and consideration for others.