ABOVE: Pictured with Bishop McKeown, Fr. Séamas Kelly PP and Principal Marian Uí Cheallllaigh are the support staff. Wednesday October 26 was a day of great celebration at Gaelscoil Neachtain, Dungiven, as the Gaelscoil community came together to mark its tenth anniversary. The day started with the celebration of a special anniversary Mass, in Irish, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Gortnaghy. Chief celebrant, Bishop of Derry, Dr. Dónall McKeown, was joined by Fr. Séamus Kelly, PP, Dungiven, Fr. Joseph Varghese, CC, Dungiven, Fr. Art Ó Reilly, PEm. Banagher, and Fr. Pat Ó Hagan, PP, Bellaghy-Ballyscullion Parish. Pupils, R.1 – R.7, and staff at the Mass were joined by past pupils, parents, grandparents, governors, past and present, and friends of the Gaelscoil down through the years. Thanksgiving was the central theme of the Mass with representatives of the school community including staff, pupils, governors and parents, taking part. During the homily, Bishop McKeown spoke directly to the pupils and referenced the Gospel, telling them they were the ‘light of the world’ – ‘Is sibhse solas an domhain’ – and also the readings as he encouraged them not to be worried about anything – ‘Ná bígí imníoch faoi rud ar bith…’ – and reminded them that God is with them, always – ‘…tá mise taobh leat.’ Concern raised over County Derry bridge stability The Mass of celebration was further enhanced by beautiful music from Múinteoir Fionnuala and Cór Neachtain along with Nodlaig Ní Brollaigh and harpists from Scoil Ruairí Dall. Before Mass ended, Principal Máirín Uí Cheallaigh spoke to those present. After thanking Bishop McKeown and the priests who concelebrated the Mass, she thanked the staff, past and present. She went on to thank the parents, past and present, for entrusting their children to the care of Gaelscoil Neachtain and for their support over the years. The Principal also spoke of the day as a day for reflection, saying: "We remember, with gratitude,
IN PICTURES: Gaelscoil Neachtain celebrate ten years
The school held a special mass as part of the celebrations.
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IN PICTURES: Gaelscoil Neachtain celebrate ten years
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Bishop Donal McKeown, Fr. Séamas Kelly PP and Principal Marian Uí Cheallaigh joined by the teaching staff at Gaelscoil Neachtain on their tenth anniversary celebrations.
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Principal of Gaelscoil Neachtain, Marian Uí Cheallaigh with Rev. Fr. Séamas Kelly PP and Bishop Donal McKeown.
