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Departing head Patrick Devlin is mobbed by pupils
Sir says goodbye after one day away
Annette Lord25/ 7/2008
PATRICK Devlin said farewell to school after 40 years – with only one day's absence.
The Christ the King headteacher retired on Friday after 18 years at the helm.
And he has set an example to pupils when it comes to attendance - having just one day off work in four decades.
Even then, his only attendance black mark was when he needed a minor hospital operation.
A headteacher for 26 years, Mr Devlin started off his career at St Malachy's in Collyhurst, then was at St Dunstan's in Moston and St Mary's in Levenshulme before moving to Sacred Heart in Gorton as head.
The 62-year-old is now hoping to continue in education in some capacity but is keeping his options open.
"It is very very tough. It is going to be very difficult to leave the children, they have been absolutely fabulous," he said.
"I could take them anywhere in the country and invite anyone into school and know that they would do me proud.
"Local people have also been very, very good to me."
Mr Devlin was innundated with gifts to mark his departure. He said: "There are too many to mention individually.
"People have been so good to me, they have been absolutely fantastic."
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