Offaly school celebrates its 40th Anniversary in glorious sunshine

COOLDERRY Central School is celebrating 40 years in existence this year, having been established in 1983. The school is an amalgamation of two former schools in the parish, namely Ballyegan National school and Coolderry National School.

Down through the years, Coolderry Central School has undergone many major improvements. At the time of the establishment of the school, the staff consisted of Mr George Cunningham, Mrs Anne Kennedy, Mrs Lucy McCarthy, Mr Tom Lupton and Miss Una Cleary.

The only member of the original staff who has remained there to this day is Mrs Una Teehan (nee Cleary), who took on the role of Principal almost twenty years ago and who has with the help of the Boards of Management initiated major developments at the school such as the designated infant soft play area, new entrance doors, improved security, a sensory room, provision of interactive white boards throughout the school, new floor coverings , upgrading of the staff room with the installation of a new kichen unit and facilities, provision of a new office for the Principal a computer room, an office for the secretary, the upgrading and refurbishment of facilities within the school and landscaping of the school grounds to name just a few - all of which ensure that the school today looks very impressive indeed.

On May 26th, a formal celebration of 40 years of the school was held at the school. The weather was absolutely magnificent. There was glorious sunshine and the formal event which was held outdoors on the school grounds began with Mrs Una Teehan extending a very warm welcome to the huge crowd in attendance. This was followed by an outdoor concert provided by the school choir under the direction of Mrs Geraldine Bryan. Throughout the evening, the pupils performed a vast array of songs, instrumental music and dance to the enjoyment of all present. The pupils were absolutely fantastic, finishing with the Offaly Rover with everyone joining in.

The music was interspersed with presentations and words of welcome from Mrs Marie Kennedy , Chairperson of the Board of Management, Mr Paddy Bates, former Principal, and Mrs Una Teehan, the current Principal. Presentations were made by Mrs Una Teehan to former members of staff in recognition of their dedication contribution and service over many years, current staff members who continue this great tradition and also to Mrs Geraldine Bryan, who has been a constant support to the school at Confirmations, Holy Communions, Graduations and many other celebrations, giving of her time and expertise freely over many years. Mrs Una Teehan acknowledged the huge contribution of all who have worked in the school in any capacity over the past 40 years and thanked them for their dedication .

A presentation of a beautiful bouquet of flowers was also made to Mrs Una Teehan by Mrs Marie Kennedy, Chairperson of Board of Management, on behalf of all present at the 40th celebration. She wished Mrs Teehan a very happy retirement as Una, who after 42 years in the parish, beginning her teaching career, initially, as a newly qualified teacher in1981, in one of the prefabricated buildings which pre-dated the current school, has decided to retire. Una is very sad to be leaving as the school community has been an integral part of her life for the past 42 years.

As School Principal, Una has always encouraged pupils to achieve their potential. Down through the years, the pupils participated in numerous initiatives and won many local and national awards for their projects and sporting achievements, which have given students great life skills. Una has always encouraged pupils to participate in various sporting activities and is very proud of what the pupils have achieved individually, for the school and for the county.

Una congratulated and praised their current camogie champions who had just won the Cumann na mBunscol B final the previous day in Birr gaining victory over Kinnitty in a very exciting closely fought final, which was a fantastic achievement for all of the panel and for the school.

Una also acknowledged the support of the Boards of Management and the Parents Associations over the years and had a special word of thanks to the current Board of Management and the current Parents Association who give so freely of their personal time for the benefit of the school community.

Una also acknowledged the wider community for their great friendship and generous support. She was very appreciative of the support of the local GAA, the Camogie club and the Community Threshing group under the guidance of Ray Dempsey, who have provided huge support to the school over many years. Una expressed a special word of thanks to both Ray Dempsey and Coleman Coady who ensured that the marquee which the Threshing Committee very kindly supplied for the refreshments, was delivered and set up for the occasion with the help of some parents and members of the Board of Management.

After the cutting of the cake in honour of the occasion by former Principal Mr Paddy Bates and Mrs Una Teehan, all in attendance were invited to relax and chat over a cup of tea and other refreshments for both children and adults, which were available in the marquee at the back of the school. Food items were very kindly donated by parents. The teas were provided by the Parents Association.

There was a very large and extensive photographic exhibition relating to life not only in the school, but in the parish in general over the past 40 years throughout the school along with other memorabilia of times gone by on display in the various classrooms for all to view at their leisure.

It was a very enjoyable and relaxing evening, which continued late into the night for all in attendance. It afforded people the opportunity to reminisce and catch up as they recalled times gone by while wandering through the classrooms viewing the photos on the display boards and on the Power points, or as they sat out in the beautiful sunshine on what was truly a memorable occasion for the 40th celebration of Coolderry Central School on Friday May 26th,2023.