President Higgins pays tribute to the tenacity and courage of students at Mulroy College

"As a school community we have suffered great loss and heartache and we continue to remember each day those we have lost" Principal " - Ms Fiona Temple

President Michael D Higgins gave praise and paid tribute to the 'resilient and courageous' students of Mulroy College during his visit earlier today.

The school was impacted by the Creeslough tragedy. The President told students that certain events can change the course of their lives. He said: "May I pay tribute to each and every one of you for the tenacity, the courage, the determination, the resilience, the resolve, and the strength that each of you have shown over the past few months.

"Events like this change us all in different ways. For some of us here today, the tragedy has changed the paths of your lives in a very real and tangible way. For others, the changes may be more subtle, but nonetheless profound. However, all of you are unified in your strength and togetherness, the resilience that you have shown, and the sense of community that has been so evident."

The students, staff, Board of Management and parents of Mulroy College welcomed the President during his visit.

President Higgins was welcomed by Principal Ms Fiona Temple who led him into the school where he met with the rest of the Senior Management Team, Mr Sean Mc Fadden and Ms Amanda Quinn as well as the Senior Student Leadership team.

President Higgins also spoke with groups of students from the Student Council and the Green School Committee.

The Student Council informed the President of the work they are currently doing in the school, their commitment to ensuring the school community continues to progress forward and their concerns for young people as a result of restrictions of Covid and the increased trend in young people vaping in Ireland.

The Green School Committee outlined the work they completed last year promoting Biodiversity and their current work under the theme of global citizenship, litter and waste.

Ms Temple then led President Higgins through the school where the Art Department also showcased some Art pieces from senior classes and student prefects formed a guard of honour.

In her address, Ms Temple welcomed President Higgins and said:“It is an incredible honour for us in Mulroy College to welcome President Higgins here Today. As a school community we have suffered great loss and heartache and we continue to remember each day those we have lost.

"We thank you, President Higgins, for your presence here today. By visiting us you are acknowledging that we have not been forgotten, that we are not alone. You have given us great hope and strength to continue to move forward. This is an extremely uplifting day for everyone in our community and we are very proud of our school and of our students and we are very proud to welcome you to Mulroy College today.”

The President also spoke to students about the threat of global hunger, food security and his recent meetings in Senegal with African leaders. A guard of honour representative of the many class groups affected by the tragedy led President Higgins as he concluded his visit.