Nenagh Gaelscoil celebrates 30th anniversary

With the sun shining and the crowds
smiling, the Gaelscoil’s celebrations
on Friday last were a fitting tribute to
the school’s marking of its 30th birthday.

With past and present members of
the Board of Management, Coiste na
dTuismitheoirí, parents, pupils and
staff, as well as all the many friends
of the Gaelscoil filling the school
grounds, Príomhoide Inez Uí Éanáin
welcomed all.

With TG4’s drone recording, all the
pupils performed the school’s anthem,
'Amhrán na Gaelscoile'. Inez then
spoke, praising Peadar Mac an Bhaird,
Máire Uí Mhurchú, Pádraic Ó Curraoin
and Cyril Mac Lochlann, who set up
the school. These pioneering parents
believed that a Gaelscoil would be a
great additional educational choice
for the town of Nenagh.

With Máire and Pádraic still heavily
involved in the school, Inez told
of how Pádraic and his family will
hold the record for continuous years
of commitment when his grandson
begins next September! She also
acknowledged all the courageous
families who committed to sending
their children to the school in 1989,
making up the first class of 25 pupils
in Naíonáin Bheaga.

She credited the growth and development
of the school over the 30
years since, with 240 students now
attending, to all those who invested so
much time and effort in it, from staff
to board members, and from parents
to all those supporters of the school.
Inez then called on Fr Des Hillery, a
great friend to the school, who blessed
the school flag with the new school
crest and motto, ‘Ag Spreagadh na
hÓige’ - Inspiring Youth - symbolising
the future development of the school.
Cathaoirleach, Pádraic Ó Curraoin,
then addressed the full attendance in
the school grounds, praising the support
and commitment given by the
spouses of those involved in setting up
the school. He also commended the
very dedicated staff at the school over
the years, and the ‘Is féidir linn’ attitude
of Príomhoide Inez. He thanked
the parents for their loyalty and
involvement in growing the school.
The flag was then raised by the two
youngest and oldest pupils. This was
followed by celebratory music from
the school’s Orchestra, led by Múin-
teoir Orla Mhic Chonmara and parent
and music teacher, Lisa Uí Dhufaigh.
Following this, two pupils from
each class presented work prepared
by the classes to be buried in the time
capsule. This will be opened at the
50-year celebrations along with the
one buried at the 20th anniversary.
A photo of Tommy Mulcahy, another
very good friend of the school’s, was
added by the school’s Primary Game
players.

The School Choir continued the
entertainment with a performance
under the baton of Róisín Ní Éanàin,
and Príomhoide Tánaisteach, Lúsaí Ní
Mheara, then made a presentation on
behalf of the staff to Inez and Múinteoir
Máirín in acknowledgment of their
long service to the school.

Inez thanked Lúsaí and all the staff
for their support and friendship in
preparation for the day, over all the
years, and especially during her 25
years as Principal. Judy Uí Bhriain,
Cathaoirleach, Coiste na dTuismitheoirí,
concluded the speeches, thanking
the staff and all her fellow parents for
their work, energy and enthusiasm,
and congratulated everyone on the
great achievement of having brought
the school to what it is today.

Inez thanked Judy and all on Coiste
na dTuismitheoirí, who along with
a larger group of parents had given
up their time to organise a super day
of activities for the children, which
they would always remember. These
ranged from a woodwork workshop,
to Frank O’Keeffe’s Multi-Skills Sports,
a talent show and barbeque, as well as
a dress-up and photo booth opportunity
with Olive Kilgannon, sports day
field games, storytelling, a massive
obstacle course bouncy castle, and
more.

Traditional music was provided by
Liz Uí Ghacháin and pupils past and
present, along with dancing by the
school’s world class dancers, organised
by Múinteoir Eibhlín. Proceedings
were then brought to a close, with
an invite to enjoy a tour of the entire
school, the new photo gallery organised
by Múinteoir Úna, and refreshments,
all provided by the parents.

Everyone sang Lá Breithe GAU, as the
children gathered around the gigantic
birthday cake also made by the parents!
Congratulations to all at Gaelscoil
Aonach Urmhumhan!