Doors open to a new era at Knockanes NS
IT was an evening to remember in Knockanes NS in Killarney on Thursday last the pupils, teachers, families and supporters of the Killarney school joined with a host of local celebrities to officially open the school’s new extension and astro-turf pitch.
Kerry footballer Aisling Desmond joined former senior stars John Crowley and Seamus Moynihan to cut the tape and declare the new pitch open, while Fr Bill Radley PP was on hand to officially open the new school extension, which comprises a new classroom and two resource rooms.
The celebrations took place a week to the day before the pupils were due to bid farewell for the summer break and was Fr Radley’s last official function at the school ahead of his retirement.
The opening of the new, all-weather astro-turf pitch on the grounds of the school was the culmination of almost 12 months of hard work and dedication on behalf of the parents association and a host of volunteers who fundraised tirelessly to make their dream become a reality.
Among the novel fundraising initiatives undertaken to raise money for the project was an online auction for some amazing prizes - including lunch with Mick O’Connell and Pat Spillane; training sessions with Seamus Moynihan, John Crowley and Joe Canning and even a team talk with legendary Kilkenny hurling boss, Brian Cody.
The novel initiative was described as ‘Ireland’s Best Sports Auction’ by Today FM.
At Thursday’s celebration, school principal Paul Horan paid tribute to all those who contributed to the major fundraising initiative as well as to those who gave of their time, skill and even manual labour to help develop the pitch.
Thursday’s official opening was also used as the perfect occasion for two other important duties - the raising of Knockanes National School’s Green Flag and National Flag - the latter being raised at schools across the country this year to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising .