Offaly school marks 60th anniversary with special night of celebration

MANY past pupils and staff attended the celebrations honouring the 60th anniversary of St. Mary’s National School, Cloghan which took place last Thursday night commencing with a special Mass to mark the occasion.

It was celebrated by Fr Pat Kiernan PP in St Mary’s Church where parents, members of the community and pupils from the school, all participated in different ways. The opening procession saw gifts from the school brought to the altar by pupils including a jersey, a cross, atlas, book, ipad, clock and a bell and included Ava, Ryan, Lucas, Dara, Shane, Fearne, Ellie and Maddie while two adults, Paschal Wynne brought an old Roll book and Emily McGarvey brought the class of 1964, the year the school was officially opened.

In his homily, Fr Pat likened school life to the Gospel and mentioned how it is like a beautiful garden, colourful, vibrant and vitality. It has variety where the seeds of knowledge feed, where children grow to reach their full potential. “Education,” he said, “feeds the fertile minds of children, gives every child a chance, every day and is a good motto to keep in mind”.

He remembered all those gone to their eternal rest, grandparents, parents, pupils and asked the congregation to pray for all those today.

School Principal Mrs Valerie Daly recited a poem specially composed for the occasion which read,

“Sixty years, with joy we stand,

a legacy built by many hands.

Teachers, staff, with hearts so bright,

guiding us in love and light.

Students, past and those present today,

learning, growing, on their way.

With dreams that soar and spirits high,

reaching far, beyond the sky.

Parents too, with care and grace,

have shaped this school, this sacred place.

Their love, support, and faithful cheer,

have led us through each passing year.

The community, united strong,

together we have journeyed long.

As we share this Bread and Wine,

we feel God's presence, pure, divine.

In Christ, as one, we now rejoice,

with hopeful hearts and lifted voice.

The future bright, we'll see it through—

Sixty more, with all of you.”

Afterwards, a remembrance walk took place in the school and around the new and lovely school sensory walkway which was lit up by candles.

It was a joyful occasion filled with nostalgia as many past pupils gathered for the Mass and later at the school where ample refreshments were laid on and an exhibition of photos and memorabilia was avidly viewed by the visitors.

A 60th anniversary cake was formally cut by the chairman of the BOM Pat Walsh and by the principal of the school Mrs Valerie Daly as everyone looked on including the children present.