Creativity to the fore in Clonroche
THE pupils in St Aidan’s National School in Clonroche are a very creative bunch and that fact was highlighted during recent Seacthain na Gaeilge events.
The Clonroche area has long been associated with music, dance, drama and entertainment, and that tradition of excellence within the creative arts is reflected in the everyday life of the local school.
A spokesperson for St Aidan’s commented to this newspaper: ‘It would be a rare occurrence to pass through the school without hearing the sound of tin whistles or singing emanating from a classroom.’
The Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations took place in the school from April 8 to 12 and what was very apparent was the time and effort that goes into the arts in the facility.
Students from first to sixth class entertained everyone with selections of traditional tunes while a Céilí was the culmination of weeks of hard work mastering Irish dancing steps.
The infant students showed amazing competency and had the older members of staff trying very hard to keep up.
‘Songs and dramas ‘as gaeilge’ were performed during the ‘Seó Tallainne’ and it was brilliant to see young children performing with confidence and ease,’ said the spokesperson.
There was a competition for the best Irish themed float with a particular emphasis placed on using recycled materials.
The competition produced some amazing entries and the school was particularly appreciative of the support and help the children received from their parents and guardians.
‘ There may not have been a parade in Clonroche Village this year but the school certainly made up for it,’ said the spokesperson, referring to this year’s St Patrick’s Day weekend.
The Seacthain na Gaeilge week in the school has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the yearly calendar and is something that is enjoyed and embraced by the students, staff and wider community, as highlighted by the school spokesperson: ‘It’s a week when spoken Irish comes alive, when Irish customs are fostered and embedded, when talents are given an airing and when the words of the national anthem are sung and reinforced on a daily basis. An rud a chíonn an leanbh is é a níonn an leanbh.’