Construction of Carrick-on-Suir's new Gaelscoil on course to be finished by end of year

Caption for photo above: Turning the sod: Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire Principal Linda Nic an Bháird, Bríd de Paor, Caithaoirleach of Board of Management; Minister for Education Norma Foley, Eibhlín de Paor, teacher and one of the Gaelscoil's first pupils in 1998; teacher Isobel Ní Chuana, who started in the Gaelscoil in 1999. Picture Anne Marie Magorrian

Education Minister Norma Foley has turned the sod on the site of Carrick-on-Suir’s new Gaelscoil, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Construction work was suspended for a short period on the Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire project on the site of the former St Joseph’s College between the Clonmel Road and North Quay to facilitate what was described by the school’s principal as a “momentous occasion”.

The sod turning ceremony was attended by a group of student musicians from the school, representatives of the staff, parents council and board of management.

It was also attended by Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cllr Kieran Bourke, Cllr David Dunne, Independent TD Mattie McGrath, representatives of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District, the school’s patron Foras Pátrúnachta, Fr Tom Flynn of Carrickbeg/Windap Parish, the building contractors ABM and JJ Rhattigan & Co. and members of An Garda Síochána.

Gaelscoil Charraig na Siuire Principal Linda Nic an Bháird described the turning of the sod as a significant moment in the school’s journey.

“It is with great joy and anticipation that we embark on this journey, one that will shape the future of our school and the lives of those within it,” she said.

As they stood amidst the dust and mud of construction, she noted they also stood in the midst of “possibility and progress” and this moment symbolised the school’s commitment to growth and the pursuit of excellence in education for all their pupils”.

“The turning of the sod represents more than just the beginning of a construction project; it signifies the seeds of opportunity we show for generations to come.”

Ms Nic an Bháird extended heartfelt thanks to the school’s Board of Management, its patron Foras Pátrúnacha, the Department of Education, school designers Atkins, the National Development Finance Agency, builders, engineers and all involved in making this project a reality.

Foras Pátrúnachta Buildings Manager Siobhán Ní Dhúill thanked Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire Board of Management Chairperson Brid de Paor, who is one of the school’s founders, and Principal Linda Nic an Bháird without whom none of this would have happened.

Ms Ni Dhúill said the fact five of Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire’s ten staff are past pupils was a testament to this “amazing” school.

Minister Foley said she was thrilled and delighted as Minister for Education to visit the site of the new Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire and meet everyone associated with the school and project.

She said this was a great day for the school and she was proud to be part of this occasion. “The greatest joy in my life as Minister for Education is to get the opportunity to visit schools,” she pointed out.

She paid tribute to the building contractors doing great work to get the project going and praised the “limitless ambition” of the school’s patron Foras Pátrúnacha for having so many school building projects underway.

The Fianna Fáil minister also paid tribute to Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire’s Board of Management members who gave their time freely to the school, the school’s staff and everyone who had the vision to take the first step and begin the journey of this school.

They were now taking an even more ambitious step.

Minister Foley said it was remarkable that 50% of the school’s teaching staff were past pupils and recalled when she became a teacher she returned to work in her old school.

She gave great praise to the group of young traditional musicians from Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire who performed a number of well-known Irish airs at the ceremony.

She told them: “You are the most important people and always remember in education, we serve you.”

Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire was founded 25 years ago and has been based in temporary rented accommodation on the grounds of Carrick-on-Suir United FC at Coolnamuck Road, Carrick for most of those years.

Its first home was a former school building on Greystone Street that Carrick Carpets was subsequently based in for many years. It’s only a short distance from where the new permanent Gaelscoil is being built.

The new school will comprise eight teaching classrooms, a library, general purpose hall, support teaching rooms, outdoor play and nature areas.

A class for children with autism opened at the Gaelscoil last September and a second class will open at the school next September.

Pictured at the site of the new Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire are staff and Grúpa Trad pupils with Minister for Education Norma Foley TD (centre) during her visit to turn the sod on the school building project. Picture Anne Marie Magorrian

Check out more of Anne Marie Magorrian's photos from the sod turning ceremony in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops