Glynn celebrates school milestone
THERE WERE GREAT celebrations in Glynn, St Mullins, recently to mark the 75th anniversary of the local national school, Scoil Moling.
Hundreds of people attended the event on Sunday, May 14, which started with an anniversary Mass in St Moling’s Parish Church, celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin and Fr Edward Aughney of St Mullins.
Welcoming everyone to the celebrations, chairman of the board of management Michael Ryan said: ‘Days like today bring out the best in the community, when everyone rallies around and plays their part. And here in St Mullins we have a great sense of community and volunteerism which makes events like this possible.’
‘Over the last 75 years, Scoil Moling has provided a great primary education to many generations of children in our parish. Today we celebrate the contribution that our school has made to the lives of so many.’
During the Mass, past pupils and parents did the readings, prayers and offertory gifts. The St Mullins folk group choir performed at the Mass under director Sharon Gladney, along with instrumentalist Jack Gladney.
After Mass, Bishop Nulty was welcomed to the school next door by principal Pádraig Cronin, where he unveiled a plaque and blessed the school.
To mark his visit to the school he was presented with a copy of Patrick O’Leary’s book on St Mullins by Emma O’Neill on behalf of the board of management, and a bookmark specially designed and created by the fifth and sixth class pupils and which was presented by sixth class pupil Brid Doyle.
Mr Cronin also thanked all who were involved in organising the celebrations.
Attendees enjoyed looking at an extensive collection of old school photographs, memorabilia and history, which was gathered especially for the anniversary, and an oral history video project featuring interviews with former pupils who attended Glynn school over the last 75 years.
Refreshments were provided by the parents’ association in marquees on the school grounds.
Also as part of the school’s 75th anniversary celebrations, pupils and teachers have been busy selecting items to go into a time capsule which will be buried in the school grounds before the end of term and which will remain there for 25 years.