Warm welcome for grandparents

DOWN through the generations, grandparents have played key roles in the lives of their grandchildren and that close and loving link is as strong as ever today.

Last week as part of Catholic Schools Week, primary schools across Ireland hosted Grandparents Day and The Corkman visited local schools to experience this special celebration first hand.

At Scoil Fhursa, Lyre, prayers were led by Fr William Winter and in Meelin by Fr Denis Stritch. Entertainment followed from all classes, ranging from specially composed poems and songs in honour of grandparents to musical performances from school music groups.

The grandparents visited classrooms to see the various projects the children were involved in and enjoyed a cuppa and a chat.

Celine Doody, Principal of Meelin NS told The Corkman that all the Grandparents were amazed by the various talents of all the children. “The children loved showing the special visitors around the school. Everyone was presented with a St. Brigid’s Cross when they were leaving, these were made by the children in the Senior Classes” Celine said.

Meanwhile, at Lyre NS, Principal Noreen Duggan said that grandparents travelled from near and far to be with their grandchildren for the occasion. “Special remembrance was given on the day to grandparents who have passed away, with angels hung in their memory on a remembrance tree in the school hall,” Noreen said.

And finally, some comments from the children: Gearoid Tully 6th Class, Lyre NS; “It was lovely to see all our grandparents sitting down having a chat together”.

Taylon O’Sullivan 6th Class, Lyre NS; “I loved showing my grandparents my classroom and school”.

Dylan O’Keeffe 5th Class, Lyre NS; “All of our grandparents were such fun”.

Emili Walsh Lawlor, Junior Infants, Meelin NS; “I loved seeing Nana and Grandad in our school on Grandparents Day and that they heard me singing and saying a poem with my class”.

Kellie O’Connor and Kiera Murphy, 2nd Class Meelin NS loved having such a big crowd visit the school and said that they enjoyed the party.

Eoghan O’Sullivan, 4th Class, Meelin NS; “It was a really fun day and our class made up a song especially for our grandparents”.

Lauren Curtin, 6th Class, Meelin NS; “We loved getting to celebrate with our grand parents, grandfriends and neighbours and show off all our talents”.

RIGHT: Joe and Ellen Walsh with their grandchildren Emili, Aidan, Lorcán and Baby Harrett, at the Meelin National School Grandparents Day. All photos by Sheila Fitzgerald.

Marion Cronin pictured with her Grandchildren Kiera, Anna, Elizabeth and Nicholas on Grandparents Day at Meelin National School.

Mick and Kate Mulcahy pictured with their Grandchildren Shane, Ryan and Katelynn on Grandparents Day at Meelin NS.

Willie and Breda O’Sullivan and Nora Davern with their Grand daughter Sinead at the Meelin National School Grandparents Day.

LEFT: Tom and Julia Biggane with their grandchildren Dion, Evan, Megan and Lauren at the Meelin National School. Con O’ Neill with his grandchildren Kate and David at the Meelin National School Grandparents Day.

Mary O’Connor with her grandchildren Amy and Aisling at the Meelin National School Grandparents Day.

A huge smile from Kai Curtin, pictured with his Grandad Paddy at Meelin National School.

Chris and Timmie Joe O’ Sullivan pictured with tgrandson Cody at Meelin NS on Grandparents Day.

Stasia Sheahan with her grandchildren Chloe, Liam Óg and Lewis at Meelin National School.

Donie Keane with grandchildren Brendan and Dan.

Bridie O’ Connor with her grandchildren Isabelle, Genevieve and Benjamin at the Lyre National School Grandparents Day. Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald

Joan Stokes and Helen Lane with their grandchildren Lucy, Sophie, Robyn and Danny at Lyre NS.

Michael, Finn and Evan McCarthy at Lyre NS with their parents Michael and Mary and grandmothers Sheila McCarthy and Maura Healy.

Gillian Burns pictured with grandchildren Riley and Paige at the Lyre NS Grandparents Day.

Eileen O’Sullivan with her grandson Taylon.