The late Br Leo Simon McAuliffe Simon McAuliffe was born in Garrettmcgarrett, Kinbrin, Kanturk. He joined De La Salle teaching order and was given the name, Br. Leo. As a teacher he was patient, orderly, methodical and paternal. Mothers idolised him because of his friendliness and their children were happy in his class. He kept the homework simple but challenging and there was no crisis if they hadn't it all completed. His pupils learned their religion and way of living more from the man himself than from books. Watching Br. Leo working in the garden was an artists dream. With evenly paced strokes of the spade or shovel he moved along quietly seemingly not disturbing the earth. However, the job was done on time, potatoes and vegetables were produced in abundance in the monastery gardens. A strongly built six footer, he was a famous club hurler with a powerful stroke of a sliothar. He was a local hero. He had two sisters in the nuns in Australia whom he hadn't met since childhood. As a gratuity on his retirement he went to visit them. On the way he visited De La Salle communities in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and on his return journey he visited South Africa. He was a prolific traveller and enjoyed meeting people. Some people are born leaders, others aspire to leadership or have it cast upon them, but Br Leo was content to be an ordinary footsoldier. There was a saying in nursing homes that those who come in Saints are borne out saints. Br Leo in his final years in Miguel House, was a beautiful presence. He passed away peacefully like the glow of the setting sun on an autumn evening, February 16, 2007 and was laid to rest in the Monastery in Castletown. Postscript from a dear friend. I learned from Simon that there was peace and tranquillity in the world. He rarely got angry or judgmental about things or people. He was placid by nature and gentle with words. Simon was always there to re-assure people. He gave one a sense of strength and self confidence. One learned from Simon that there were gentle kind and loving people living amongst us. Simon left this world a little bit better. Thank you God for Simon, Br Leo. Br Malachy Buckley Courtesy of the Leinster Express 14 March 2007 Tweet

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