Diocesan News19 Jun 08

New School in Cork, Cloyne and Ross opened by Minister for Education

On Friday 13th June the new St James’ National School in Durrus, Co. Cork was officially opened by the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keefe TD. The Principal, Ms Clara McGowan has worked tirelessly in recent times to see the completion of such a large project. A Service of Thanksgiving was held in St James’ Church and was attended by many members of the local community, past pupils of the school and, of course, the current pupils of the school. The school was blessed by Bishop Colton before the Minister unveiled the name plaque and cut the ribbon with a little help from one of the pupils. Durrus is a small village in West Cork and St James’ is a small school having only 23 pupils and three teachers. Over the years there have been attempts to close the school but these have always been forcibly fought by the local community. The result is that the school is still going strong with the children and grandchildren of past pupils attending as well as newcomers to the area.

The children of St James’ School with Bishop Colton, Batt O’Keefe, Canon Willoughby and their teachers.

Canon Paul Willoughby, Rector of Kilmocomogue Union of Parishes in paying tribute to the principal, Clara McGowan, for all her hard work towards achieving the new school, said "This is a huge day of significance not only for our school but also for our parish. We are grateful to the many people who have supported us and enabled us to reach this day. I would like to give particular thanks to the Bishop for his wonderful support during this long process and to my family."