Joy as ‘good Friday’ arrives early to Fermoy
TRY as it may, even the notoriously fickle Irish weather could not put a damper on celebrations as a new chapter in the history of Fermoy’s Gaelscoil de hÍde was finally opened last Friday.
The tears of frustration that were no doubt shed over the years during the long and frustrating struggle to get to this day turned to tears of pure joy as the procession wound its way through the town to the impressive new 24-classroom complex on the Duntahane Road.
After closing the doors at the former school building on McCurtain Street for one final time, principal Sean Mac Gearailt, megaphone in hand, proudly headed up the procession as the more than 400 pupils sang and made merry accompanied by a marching band.
A beaming Mr Mac Gearailt told The Corkman that it was a day that few present will ever forget.
“As a Kerryman it is better than walking up the steps of the Hogan stand in September and lifting the All-Ireland trophy,” he grinned.
“For more than three decades we have been in sub-standard rented accommodation and our struggle over the years for our own school has been well documented. Today we are finally home,” he added.
Mr Mac Gearailt paid tribute to the New School Action Group for their “incredible” efforts to secure the new building.
“It has been a long and at times incredibly frustrating road for us but thanks to the efforts of the local community we have reached the end of that road. It goes to show just what can be achieved when a community comes together under one banner to achieve a common goal,” he said.
Mr Mac Gearailt said great credit must also go to staff, both past and present, who despite having to work under challenging conditions were able to maintain the schools “exceptionally high educational standards”.
“Today is not just about acknowledging the past. It is also about looking to the future with a renewed sense of optimism safe in the knowledge that we a truly top class facility that will benefit local children for generations to come. By any stretch of the imagination today is a very good Friday.”