The sun shines as school celebrates
GUSSERANE school community came together on Wednesday, May 30, in glorious weather conditions to celebrate the opening of a new classroom extension to the school.
A huge crowd turned out in beautiful sunshine to make the official opening by Junior Minister of state at the Department of Finance Michael D’Arcy Jnr.
The day began with a school mass in the local church at 10 a.m. celebrated by Fr Sean Laffan. This Mass also celebrated the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the current national school.
Everyone then went to the school grounds which looked resplendent in flowers and decoration for the official opening by guest of honour the most Reverend Denis Brennan, Bishop of Ferns.
A number of people made speeches at the ceremony and all praised the sense of community spirit and happiness that was clearly evident in the school’s celebration.
School principal Tony Heuston thanked everyone for supporting the school over the last 50 years, saying this was evident by the sense or pride everyone took in the achievements of Gusserane NS.
Chairperson of the Board of Management Martin Murphy spoke of the sense of history and connection between the various buildings that have housed the local national school over the years in Gusserane and how fitting on the 50th anniversary that a new extension was opening.
Clearly showing that the Gusserane school community was thriving. Deputy D’Arcy praised the board of management, the parent’s association, school staff and pupils for the completion of a fantastic building which will continue to serve the community for the next 50 years.
He said it was lovely to come into a place where the pride everyone took in the school was evident. Great credit was extended by all to Nicholas Mernagh who was the architect on the project and John Gray of John Gray Construction for their great work in the building of the extension and that it was a testament to their skill and dedication in their work.
Bishop Brennan spoke of the importance of community and that the school was central to this. The school’s two youngest pupils, Josh Felon and Oisin Croke, presented Bishop Brennan with a specially made rosary beads and box to commemorate the occasion.
Bishop Brennan then cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque after blessing the building and the people. The school choir, under the direction of Miss Foxe, sung a beautiful repertoire of contemporary songs that took the occasion to another level.
A barbecue and ice-cream van were organised for the children and the adults were all invited to attend the local hall (old school) for refreshments and a chance to reminisce about school, community and the old times on a bright, brilliant day that will live long in the lives of the pupils and people of Gusserane NS.