Clondrohid

BLESSING OF ST GOBNAIT AT CHURCH CROSS.

A large crowd turned out last Sunday (St Gobnait’s Feast Day) for the blessing of the new St Gobnait’s statue at Church Cross. Despite heavy snow showers all morning, the sun came out as Fr Wickham blessed the statue and surrounds. Two decades of the Rosary were recited and relevant prayers. The local choir were in full voice with their hymns. A special word of thanks and appreciation goes to Johnny Kelleher, who on his own initiative erected the stonework surrounding the statue and the deer. Johnny is well handed when it comes to stone building, but it is safe to say that he has excelled himself in this venture. Thanks to all who helped in any way with this initiative and to those who came on the day. Hopefully people will stop and say a prayer there in the future

CARRIGANIMA NATIONAL SCHOOL.

Carriganima National School celebrated the opening of their two special education rooms on last Friday, February 9, and a great night was had by all.

Minister Michael Creed cut the ribbon and he was joined by Fr Wickham, chairman of board of management, staff members; Patsy Dineen, Seán Newman, Lavinia Lynch, Kay McDonagh and TD Aindrias Moynihan., councillors Michael Creed, Ted Lucey, and Gobnait Moynihan. Parents and pupils, past, present and future, neighbours and friends, parents’ association, board of management members were out in force.

Minister Creed congratulated the school on the addition of the two purpose built rooms. He was delighted all the stakeholders associated with the school came together to make this project come through. Aindrias Moynihan notes the ambition and drive of small schools to undertake such projects.

Fr Wickham blessed the two rooms and he wished staff and pupils continued success in their school. Seán Newman thanked all the invited guests for attending and also gave a big thank you to the builder Tim McSweeney for finishing off the rooms to such a high standard. He thanked the board of management and parents’ association for all their support.

Principal Patsy Dineen commented on the use of old school footage taken in Carriganima National School used in the recent RTÉ Micko documentary. She talked about the differences and similarities to the school since then, the building additions to the school, the car park, playing field, the increase in staff to three full time teachers, one full-time SNA and one part-time SNA. Pupils with special educational needs are valued in the school and have a new comfortable learning environment.

The greatest similarity being the happy excited children playing in the school yard. The children in the school then entertained all present with music and drama, while the