Diocesan News09 Jun 10

Opening of Cloughjordan No.1 National School Extension (Limerick, Killaloe & Ardfert)

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Friday 4th June marked a very special day in the life of Cloughjordan No.1 National School.  It was the official opening and blessing of a substantial classroom extension to the school. In the past year the school was awarded an additional mainstream teacher as numbers have steadily increased, not least because of the development of Ireland’s first Eco-Village in Cloughjordan, which has brought a welcome influx of new people of hugely diverse backgrounds to the village. The funding for this building initiative was generously provided by the Department of Education and Skills, and the Minister for Education was represented by Deputy Máire Hoctor T.D.

During a short outdoor service to mark the occasion the official blessing of the school was conducted by Bishop Trevor Williams, the school patron. Also participating in the service were Canon Stephen Neill (Chairperson), Rev’d Brian Griffin (Methodist Church) and children from the school who read readings and sang beautifully. The musical accompaniment was provided by John Armitage on keyboard & Deirdre O’Leary on bass clarinet. The official opening was performed by former Principal, Mrs Eileen Armitage assisted by the youngest and oldest children in the school. In their speeches the Principal, Mr Ivor Hayes & Chairperson, Canon Stephen Neill thanked (among many on a long list) the Department and Minister for their generous support and particularly welcomed the former rector of Cloughjordan, Canon Donald Atkinson (and his wife Elsie, herself a former teacher in the school) who was the driving force behind the building of the school in 1976.

Responding to these speeches Deputy Hoctor gave her explicit and wholehearted support to the role of the churches in education and evidenced Cloughjordan No.1 National School as the fruit of such a commitment from the faith community. This was very heartening to all who were present. The bishop wrapped up the speeches by reminding everyone present that the children were central to this day and encouraged them to give themselves a special round of applause. After the official proceedings were completed the large crowd attending were treated to a buffet lunch and a tour of the new classroom facilities. It was a great occasion for the school and all who were associated with it both past and present.