Joy in Moville as new Gaeilscoil building opens

Áine Uí Chnáimhsí, principal Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville, with Finn Mac Lochlainn, 6th class pupil who rang the school bell for the last time as staff and pupils leave the old school

placeholder image — Áine Uí Chnáimhsí, principal Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville, with Finn Mac Lochlainn, 6th class pupil who rang the school bell for the last time as staff and pupils leave the old school

Gaelscoil Cois Feabhaill students move into their new premises

Inishowen’s newly-built school in years has officially opened.

Staff and pupils of Moville’s Gaelscoil Cois Feabhaill made the short walk to their brand new building last Wednesday.

The procession of pupils to the new building on the site of the old St Joseph’s, was cheered on by parents and local residents.

The new single-story school consists of four classrooms and a special educational needs room as well as an office, toilets and a staffroom.

There is also an onsite bus drop-off area and staff car parking along the Ballynally Lane side of the grounds, which comprise extensive new play areas and an AstroTurf pitch.

Chairperson of the board Anthony Doogan said it was a “very momentous” occasion for the school.

“It has been 20 years in the making,” Mr Doogan said. “We are delighted with the move. We had a very busy week leading up to the move to ensure everything was in order for the children when they arrived on Wednesday.

“We also received a wonderful arrival with parents and the local community coming out to greet the children.

“It was a great celebration as Gaelscoil Cois Feabhaill now has somewhere it can call home.”

Mr Doogan said with the new premises complete, it is hoped more parents will educate their children through the Irish language.

“A building doesn't make the school, it is the education they receive in it that makes a school. We are very pleased with the level of education the children receive but with the new modern building which is more convenient for parents we would hope to see an increase in parents choosing to educate their children through Irish.”

Mr Doogan thanked Moville GAA Club for allowing Gaelscoil Cois Feabhaill to use their grounds for so many years.

“We can't thank Moville GAA enough for what they have done for the school.”