Dream becomes a reality as new extension is opened at Powerstown National School

Members of the Board of Management at the opening of the new extension at Powerstown National School

placeholder image — Members of the Board of Management at the opening of the new extension at Powerstown National School

There was a huge sense of pride and achievement in Powerstown National School last Friday as Bishop Most Rev Alphonsus Cullinan, Cllr Michael Murphy, local representatives, the school community and wider community gathered in the school hall for the official opening of the new school extension.

The dream of eliminating pre-fabricated buildings has become a reality.

The last pre-fab was removed in June 2023 and the three classroom and three special education room extension came into use in September.

Principal Eugene Fogarty thanked staff, parents, the Parents’ Council, Board of Management, Kenneth Hennessey Architects, Joe Mulcahy, Director of Mulcahy Construction and Michael Murphy, Consulting Engineer.

He also thanked teacher Olivia O’Mahony for organising the special event. There was special praise reserved for Oliver McGrath and Bulmers for making land available to the school over the years and for being such helpful neighbours.

Mr Fogarty’s message for the day was about being proud of what was collectively achieved.

He reminded the children that without them, the school could not exist. He thanked the parents for entrusting their children to the school. He reminded everyone that success is made of small steps.

The Chairperson of the Parents’ Council, Ruth Healy Lucey, gave a heartfelt speech when she spoke of the particular importance of the special education classrooms to her as a parent.

She thanked all involved in the school community for their contribution towards achieving such progress.

MOL AN ÓIGE

The children in attendance sang a rousing rendition of the song Mol an Óige, written and composed by Fergus Flynn, who has recently retired from Powerstown.

The words of the song have a special place in the hearts and minds of all who attend the school and those who continue to contribute to its development.

Cllr Michael Murphy, who opened the extension, praised Mr Fogarty for his efforts in securing the funding for the extension and his ongoing leadership of the centre of educational excellence, which is Powerstown National School. Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Richie Molloy, praised the school community and those involved in delivering the impressive extension.

He thanked them for their commitment to the children of the school and indeed the future children of the school on the work they put in over the last few years applying for government grants and local fundraising.

After the blessing, those in attendance were delighted to inspect the new classrooms.