Former stalwarts hailed as Longford's St Christopher's Special School opens new extension

The new, roomy and eye catching building was opened by a representative of the late Mel Donlon and Eugene McGee’s family, two former inspirational chairpersons of the school’s board of management.

Both men played leading roles in the school’s development over the past five and half decades.

School principal Sheila Dinnegan was quick to allude to the part the pair played in bringing about last Friday’s grand unveil.

“Triumph over Adversity was the title of a piece of bog oak that was presented to Mel Donlon by the school Board of Management when Mel became an honorary life member of St Christopher’s Association,” she said.

“I think triumph over adversity and reaching for the stars summarises the story of St Christopher's.”

Sheila told onlookers of the bumpy financial road that confronted the service’s small band of dedicated volunteers before the committee’s dream of having a permanent base became a reality in 1968 when St Christopher’s Special School opened its doors.

Based in a newly erected prefab on Killashee street at a cost of £4,000, the school’s first board of management was duly set up. Two of those, Ms Dinnegan revealed, included the names of Joan Reid and Joe Earley, both of whom were among those watching on last Friday.

“All this happened without any state assistance and at this point the school did not have recognition from the Department of Education,” she said.

“The voluntary organisation had to secure a bank loan and raise funds to cover costs. They were relying on the generosity of people from Longford and further afield even as far as America.”

Sheila said had it not been for the tireless efforts of both Mel Donlon and Eugene McGee alongside those of her own predecessor Esme Mc Cord, the end product borne out by last Friday’s extension opening might never have been realised.

“The journey to our official opening has been a long journey that both Mel Donlon and Eugene McGee were very much part of for many years.

“They were involved in the planning of this new school extension and spent many hours visiting schools throughout the country, studying plans and attending meetings.

“Unfortunately, Mel and Eugene did not live to see the fruits of their labour, but I know both of them would have been extremely proud as I hope their family are today.

"I would also like to pay a special tribute to our former Principal Esme Mc Cord who along with Mel was involved in the planning of the original school on the site and the plans for the extension.

“Esme’s career in Longford started in the prefab in Killashee Street where there were very limited resources. Esme became principal and remained in this role until her retirement. She was a fantastic teacher and principal and ambassador for children with special needs.”

There were speeches too from Frank Donlon and Conor McGee, sons of both Mel and Eugene as Sheila told of how the final reveal would stand as an unending legacy to both men.

“This is what make St Christopher’s so special and unique. It becomes a lifelong passion, as shown by Mel and Eugene,” she said.

“Mel and Eugene’s role as Chairperson was a voluntary role.

“They gave freely of their time and were passionate about the school and the children.

“They were extremely supportive of the work of the school. They thoroughly enjoyed attending special school occasions and celebrations.

"The Board of management, staff and children are deeply indebted to Mel and Eugene and we are delighted that their memory is being honoured here today.”