Tipperary school's new permanent home lauded as 'wonderful space' at official opening

Principal Linda Nic an Bháird (centre) with Eibhlín de Paor, Electra Grant and David MacCorchrá, who were pupils in the school's first ever Junior Infants class in 1998. Photo Anne Marie Magorrian

placeholder image — Principal Linda Nic an Bháird (centre) with Eibhlín de Paor, Electra Grant and David MacCorchrá, who were pupils in the school's first ever Junior Infants class in 1998. Photo Anne Marie Magorrian

Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire Principal Linda Nic an Bháird paid tribute to the 'dedication, resilience and shared vision' of the people who made the new school possible

Rousing displays of dancing, beautiful music, singing and recitations and the Liam MacCarthy Cup were all part of the joyful showcase of Irish culture that marked the official opening of Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire's multi-million new school last Friday.

The outdoor show - Is Mise and tSiúr - involving all the school's students was a fitting celebration to honour the completion of Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire's long-awaited permanent school - an airy and light filled two-storey eight-classroom building and spacious grounds located the site of the former St Joseph's College in Carrick-on-Suir.

Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire's young trad musicians performing at the official opening of their new school

Among the wonderful performances were students dancing with hurleys and sweeping brushes, a gorgeous rendition of Kingfishr's Killeagh, the school's junior students singing Irish songs and the school choir singing about their new school to the music of Coldplay's Viva La Vida.

The spectacle was enjoyed by an audience of over 200 guests including past pupils, parents of current and past pupils and staff past and present as well as local politicians and other dignitaries.

Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire Principal Linda Níc an Bhaird opened the ceremony by declaring: “After 28 years of patience, perseverance and belief we are finally home – our permanent home. And what a wonderful space it is.

“Today is not just about the official opening of a building, it is about celebrating the people who made this possible – the dedication, the resilience and the shared vision that brought us to this day,” she said.

Past pupil and Tipperary Senior hurler Stefan Tobin addressing the official opening with the Liam MacCarthy Cup at his side.

Tipperary Senior hurler and past pupil Stefan Tobin brought along the Liam MacCarthy Cup and spoke of how he got his love of the Irish language from attending the school.

Another well-known past pupil who addressed the opening was 2FM broadcaster Aindriú de Paor, who was very thankful for the education he received at the school. “If I didn't have the language, I wouldn't have the job,” he said of his role in RTE.

Vice-Principal Neasa Ní Shúilleabhain, on behalf of the school, paid a special tribute to Board of Management Chairperson Bríd de Paor, who is one of the school founders and was unable to attend the opening ceremony.

She said Bríd brought ''vision and enthusiasm” along with ''bucket loads of hard work and determination” in the school's early days. Bríd's daughter Eibhlín, one of the school's first pupils and now one of its teachers, responded to the tribute on behalf of her mother.

An Foras Pátrúnachta General Secretary Caoimhín Ó'hEaghra also addressed the ceremony while Fiona Hennessy, on behalf of the Board of Management, welcomed and thanked representatives of the building contractor ABM, architects Atkins, building consultants WH Stephens, the Department of Education and NDFA.

She also thanked Carrick United FC for providing the school with a home for 23 years and Carrick Musical Society for accommodating the school in its first four years on Greystone Street.

The ceremony concluded with school's chaplain Fr Tom Flynn blessing the school and Ms Nic an Bháird performing the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the school's entrance.

Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire student Alanagh Ní Mhurchú performing as the personification of the River Suir in the school staged by the school's students to mark their school's special opening.

Check out more photos from the official opening of Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire in the latest edition of The Nationalist currently on sale in local shops