Memorable Knocknasna Celebrations for the Big 50th

At the book launch were: Maria Woulfe , Mary Jo O Connell, Mary Jo Healy, Cllr. Liam Galvin, Ita Barrett, Ita O' Connor, Dolores Keane, Kathleen Kennelly and Bill Quirke.
At the book launch were: Maria Woulfe , Mary Jo O’Connell, Mary Jo Healy, Cllr. Liam Galvin, Ita Barrett, Ita O’Connor, Dolores Keane, Kathleen Kennelly and Bill Quirke.

2017 marked the 50th anniversary of the building of Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale.

To mark the occasion, management, staff, parents and students had worked together over the last twelve months to compile a picture book.

They launched the book and cut a cake as part of the pre-Christmas holidays celebrations at the school.

The Role of the School

The book consists of one page of print outlining the role of the school in the heart of its community. The foreword was written by parent and former teacher, Ita Barrett.

The other forty pages or so are solely pictures that were taken over the past fifty years.

At the book launch and 50th celebrations were: former teacher, Ita Barrett (left) with: Cllr. Liam Galvin and Ita O'Connor a sister of the late Sean Harnett who made a significant donation when the school was built 50 years ago.
At the book launch and 50th celebrations were: former teacher, Ita Barrett (left) with: Cllr. Liam Galvin and Ita O’Connor a sister of the late Sean Harnett who made a significant donation when the school was built 50 years ago.

A Picture of Interest

A picture of particular interest in the book is that of Seán Harnett with the students when the school was being built.

Seán made a generous donation the time the school was being built to ensure an extra building was added.

“Seán was a past pupil of the old school who had made his fortune abroad in construction. Ironically, fifty years on, a new preschool was opened in that extra building this year – Little Buddies Preschool,” said teacher Bill Quirke.

Shop Cross and Horan’s Cross

“On the day of the Christmas holidays the road between the Shop Cross and Horan’s Cross was lined with traffic as young and old from the Knocknasna, Purt and Kilmorna communities came in their droves to get a copy of the book.

“All present were entertained with music, song, dance, poetry and drama by both the preschool children and the primary school students.

“Cllr. Liam Galvin launched the book with Ita Barret and Ita O Connor – a sister of the late Seán Harnet.

Cut the Cake

“After the launch the student council cut the cake and the book went on sale.

The boys and girls along with their siblings, parents, grandparents, friends, neighbours and teacher all enjoyed the day,” said Mr. Quirke.

Only a few copies for the book remain and these can be sourced from: Anne Lyons at the Sweet Shop, Abbeyfeale or by contacting the school at: 087 96 01 506.

Contact-banner

 

You can contact The Maine Valley Post on…Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com  Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467. Please Note: A click on any of our adverts will reveal all you need to know about what our advertisers need to tell you.

 © Copyright Notice: All materials and artwork contained on this website are copyrighted by the creators under the protection of Irish and International Copyright Laws.
Material may not be downloaded, copied or used without written permission
.