RED LETTER DAY FOR DUNDALK CBS PRIMARY SCHOOL
ARCHBISHOP EAMON MARTIN OFFICIALLY OPENS EXTENSION
The CBS national school embarked on a new era with the official opening of their stunning new extension ahead of the school’s 150th anniversary next year.
Archbishop Eamon Martin was the chief celebrant at a Mass held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday before performing the ribbon cutting at the new extension that afternoon. Archbishop Martin was praised for keeping the long-standing engagement at the CBS on the day of the funeral of fellow Derry man Martin McGuinness.
Principal Michael Lambert said he was proud to welcome the archbishop, who was joined by Fr Mark O’Hagan and Fr Brian Slater, St Patrick’s; as well as Brother Christopher Glavy from the Christian Brothers; Sean McStay and Liam Murphy from builders Glas Given Contracts and representatives from EML Architects who designed the extension that includes 12 new classrooms, four resource rooms, a sensory room, a library, a courtyard with a magnificent sculpture by Drogheda artist Breda Marron and an extension to the existing school hall that more than doubled its capacity.
In addition, among the 150 invited guests at the official opening were two former students who were at the CBS when the first extension to the building was opened in 1940 - Dr Don McQuillan and Artie McManus. And guest Donna McBride was among the first intake of girls to the school in 1993.
The first lay principal of the school in 1986, Billy Shaw, was among the guests, along with many former students and staff, as well as members of board of management chaired by Deirdre Kerr and TD Peter Fitzpatrick. Beautiful music, singing and Irish dancing from the students entertained the guests ahead of a gala reception.
Mr Lambert said praised all those involved in the design and building of the new extension and added a special word of thanks to the staff, parents and students of the CBS for their patience during the construction and their backing and commitment to the project, first conceived seven years ago.
He pointed out how a mural in the new hall, which depicts Christian Brothers’ founder Ignatius Rice at the root of a large tree with branches going out into sport, education, tolerance and respect and which was completed by artist Fergus Maguire, showed how the school had grown from its foundation in 1868.
Mr Lambert said the extension represents a ‘ bright future for the school community’ which now has children from 31 countries. ‘At a time of great change in society, we will continue to reflect our Catholic ethos and values and children will continue to learn and develop in a place where they are cherished and welcomed.’