One of the Very Special Days in the History of Scoil Íde, Curranes

An informal guard of honour for Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD at the celebrations for the opening of the extension at the school. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Greetings galore from the Happy Days, Scoil Íde, Curranes pre-school pupils for Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD with Principal Emer Nelligan, Pat Tarrant, Chairman Board of Management Scoil Íde and Anna Bergin during the celebrations for the opening of the extension at the school. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Helping Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD and Principal Emer Nelligan with the cutting of the ceremonial tape are, Junior Infants, Harry Jack Walsh and Ellen Mary Lenihan. Included are: Cllr. Jackie Healy Rae, Cllr. Charlie Farrelly, Fr. Mossie Brick, Cllr. Bobby O’Connell, Leas Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald, Brendan Griffin, TD; Pat Tarrant, Chairman Board of Management Scoil Íde; Pa Daly, TD and Principal Emer Nelligan. ©Photograph: John Reidy

At the blessing and opening of the new extension at Scoil Íde Curranes National School on Friday morning were: Hannah Browne, Knocknagoshel with Ciarán and Cillian Morrissey. ©Photograph: John Reidy

At Scoil Íde Curranes National School on Friday morning for the blessing and opening of the new extension were: Denise Black, Coleen McMahon, Richard Horan and Kieran Quirke, Castleisland. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Scoil Íde Curranes National School Principal, Emer Nelligan wrapping up the proceedings after the blessing and opening of the school’s new extension on Friday morning. Included are: Board of Management Chairman, Pat Tarrant, Minister for Education, Norma Foley, TD; Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald and Terence McQuinn, former principal. ©Photograph: John Reidy

At the blessing and opening of the new extension at Scoil Íde Curranes National School on Friday morning were: Maggie O’Donoghue, Scartaglen; Sinéad O’Connell and Chris Brosnan, Castleisland with their little boy, Jude. ©Photograph: John Reidy

At Scoil Íde Curranes National School on Friday morning for the blessing and opening of the new extension were: George Glover, Ballymacelligott with Denise and Gerard Horan, Castleisland and Joan Glover with little Sadie O’Sullivan. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Joan Fleming, Castleisland (left) with Frances Brennan, Tralee were at Scoil Íde Curranes National School on Friday morning for the blessing and opening of the new extension. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Castleisland / Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District representatives: Cllr. Charlie Farrelly, Cllr. Jackie Healy Rae, Cllr. Bobby O’Connell and Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald receiving presentations from Scoil Íde Curranes National School pupils: Enis O’Connor, Érin O’Sullivan, Molly Gallagher O’Sullivan and Sadie Cahill during the opening and blessing of the new extension at the school. ©Photograph: John Reidy

In the long history of education in the area under the care of Scoil Íde Curranes National School, last Friday was one of the very special days.

It was the day on which the school’s fine, new extension was officially opened.

Though in operation since the beginning of this school year in September, the occasion fell to February 2023 for its celebratory launch.

“Scoil Íde grew to being a four-teacher school in September 2019, at which time the extension was sanctioned by the Department of Education,” said Principal Emer Nelligan.

Great Excitement All Week

“The extra class was taught in the GP Room until the new classroom opened its doors in September 2022.

“There was great excitement in the school all week as the children prepared to welcome the Minister for Education, Norma Foley and fellow public representatives,” Ms. Nelligan continued.

The public representatives present included: Minister Norma Foley, Brendan Griffin,TD; Pa Daly, TD; Cllr. Charlie Farrelly, Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald, Cllr. Jackie Healy-Rae and Cllr. Bobby O’Connell.

The Minister was welcomed at the school gate by sixth class pupils and at the school door by pupils attending Happy Days Pre-School.

Guests Norma and Brendan Thanked

Chairperson, Pat Tarrant welcomed the guests and thanked Norma Foley and Brendan Griffin for the support they gave the school in making the project a reality.  

Both Norma Foley and Brendan Griffin addressed the pupils.and complimented them on their exemplary behaviour.

The pupils made a presentation to both Norma and Brendan.

“The school is grateful to the county councillors in the Castleisland electoral area Cllrs Farrelly, Fitzgerald, O’Connell and Healy-Rae for providing funding for additional parking across the road from the school.

“Land owner, Dermot Healy, was also thanked for his co-operation with the project and the pupils made a presentation to the four county councillors,” said Ms. Nelligan.

Blessed by Fr. Brick

The new classroom was blessed by Castleisland PP Fr. Mossie Brick. Parents and public representatives alike were extremely impressed with the very bright, spacious and modern new classroom.

Ms. Nelligan also included the builder Pheilim Fitzgerald and the consulting engineer, Matt Clarke in her thanks for their professionalism and dedication to the project.

The school choir sang two songs for the guests: Amazing Grace and An Maidrín Rua. 

Peace Proms Performance

The choir performed in the Peace Proms with the cross border orchestra in the University of Limerick on January 22^nd.  

Amazing Grace was one of the songs sung by the choir on that day.Scoil Íde, Curranes has earned both the Active School Flag and a Green Flag. 

Gaelbhratach – The GoalHappy Days Pre-School Enrollments Reminder

“The pupils are currently working towards a Gaelbhratach – Irish Flag and they were eager to sing an ‘amhrán Gaeilge’ on the day.

“The very supportive parents’ association served light refreshments in the GP room after the event,” said a delighted and relieved Ms. Nelligan at the end of a very special day.

Happy Days Pre-School Enrollments Reminder

She reminded parents and children that Scoil Íde Curranes National School and Happy Days Pre-School are now taking enrollments for September 2023.

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