In Pictures: Future looks bright for Limerick school as it opens new extension

THE generosity of the local community was praised as one Limerick school officially opened their new facilities last weekend.

Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy performed the opening of the new 600 square-metre extension to Mahoonagh National School.

The Castlemahon community was out in force to celebrate the opening of the two new classrooms and special needs room, which were blessed by Bishop Leahy.

“We consider ourselves very lucky to be part of a generous and open minded community here in Mahoonagh,” said principal Yvonne Condron.

“Our staff are to be commended on their resilience to give the best possible school experience to all our pupils, often in difficult conditions as we began the four year long process,” he recalled.

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Over four years ago, with the school’s enrolment numbers getting increasingly higher and a new Autism Unit requested by the school’s Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), planning commenced for the new extension for the West Limerick school.

“After months of discussions and drafting and redrafting our design team at Kenneally Murphy Engineers brought to us the final set of plans. It was difficult at times, particularly when Covid brought the country to a stand still and we feared our project would meet a delay - but luck was on our side again, and there were little to no interruptions.” added Mrs Condron.

Vice-principal Karen McAuliffe spoke of the important role that this development will play in pupil’s lives and their education going forward during the ceremony.

She also mentioned the community striving to achieve the provision of an inclusive environment for education of all.