Hi everyone
Haven't checked in in a while, so didn't get the new replies. Many, many thanks for the advice and encouragement.
Finbar: didn't mean to make myself out to be an oul fogey! Believe me, the confidence isn't an issue at all, and even manage to look a couple years younger than people think. But needed to know the reality of the situation back home, especially as there have been so many changes over the past 20 years. But I guess I do tend to forget that I have a huge amount of teaching work experience, that hopefully won't be overlooked. Don't worry about me underselling myself. These years abroad have taught me to Very well to stand up for myself.
Had also been thinking of Laois as its central and expanding, as was pointed out. Would love to take time out to settle myself, but have 2 primary age kids, and need to get them into a school and get the finances sorted, before I feel I can breathe a little easier.
Again, many thanks for the uplifting replies.
Marylou