A sense of pride and history took centre stage as Dun Dealgan National School celebrated its 125th anniversary with an open day for parents, pupils, past-pupils, friends and neighbours.
Principal Helen Lord, and teachers Valerie Rogers, Laura McDonnell, Miriam Donnelly and Debbi Larkin welcomed visitors to the Jocelyn Street school, which
re-opened in September after an extensive restoration and extension.
Visitors viewed the new school buildings including four new state of the art classrooms and staff room, and the multi-purpose room which is housed in the original school, a listed building behind Dundalk’s Presbyterian Church. The project was designed by local architects van Dijk International and the building work was carried out by CJ Callan Construction from Ardee.
Former pupil Ken Ramsey recalled the history of the school, which first welcomed pupils in 1893, while Dundalk Men’s Shed Choir provided musical entertainment for the guests.
A plaque was unveiled by Mary Moran .
Members of the Dundalk Men’s Shed Choir who performed at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.
Unveiling….Helen Lord, Principal, Cllr. Maria Doyle, Rev. Gerard Clinton and Mary Moran at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.
Carol and Annabel Jones at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.
Ken Ramsay (Left) with Trish McKeague and Rev. Geoffrey Walmsley at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.
Teachers Valerie Rogers, Laura McDonnell, Helen Lord, Miriam Donnelly and Debbie Larkin at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary celebrations.
Tina Kirk and Harry McClenahan at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.
Juno Penny, Aoibha Donnelly, Martha Jane Crawley and Amanda Mefor at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.
Robert Smyth with Principal Helen Lord at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.
Rev. Gerard Clinton, Rev. Daryl Edwards, Rev. John Woodside and David Redmond at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations. INSET LEFT: Laura McDonnell and Jennifer Purcell at the Dún Dealgan NS 125th Anniversary and opening of the new extension celebrations.