Originally from Buncrana, Rita (Nee McCracken) started her nursing training in 1972. She is married to Pat and has four children, Claire, Elaine, Patricia and David and 5 grandchildren.
While Rita's retirement will be welcomed by her family, it will be a very sad day for her friends and colleagues at Ballycann as Rita is not only a valued colleague but also a great Ward Manager. All her friends and colleagues at Gransha wish her all the very best for her retirement

How would you describe yourself?
"Bubbly, vivacious and sincere."

Happiest childhood memory?
Dobbing school and smoking butts behind the Convent with my friend, Rosaleen.

What was your first job?
Student nurse in Gransha.

Favourite book?
Off Duty book.

Favourite film?
'Braveheart'/'Edward Scissorhands'.

Favourite television programme?
'Big Brother' or 'You Are What You Eat'.

Favourite expression?
"You'll be grand" and "Are you going out for a wee smoke?'

Favourite method of relaxation?
20 Berkley Menthol and lying in my bikini in my villa in Bulgaria supping brandy.

Favourite holiday destination?
Of course Buncrana, followed by Bulgaria.

Who would you most like to meet?
Simon Cowell from 'X Factor'.

What makes you angry?
People phoning in sick or sitting at the nurses' station.

What makes you happy?
Fish suppers and country butter.

What human quality do you most admire?
A man with a good ass, who wears nice shoes.

What human quality do you least admire?
A man who would only be after after you for your money and your villa on Millionaires' Row

What was the worst thing to happen to you in your life?
Falling asleep under the Eiffel Tower to be woken in the morning by the water sprinklers.

What is your greatest fear?
That I got my retirement date wrong and found out I had another year to go!

What has been the high point of your life to date?
Meeting Eamon Andrews and of course giving birth to all of my children! Thank God for Gas and Air!

How would you like to be remembered?
The best thing that ever came out of Gransha.

What is your most treasured possession?
My new lap top my family bought me and my collection of handwritten stories by my late father.

If you won the lotto what would you do with it?
Give it to all the hardworking staff in Gransha.

If you could be granted one wish in life, what would you ask for?
Real butter with every meal.

If you could write your own epitaph what would it be?
"Thank God I'm in Cockhill and not in the Cemetery!"