Pupilsreunite50yearsonfrom closureofsouthKerry school
THERE was more than a touch of history in the air down in Iveragh recently, as past pupils of the long-closed Scoil Náisiúnta Fearann Iarthach, gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of its closure.
While some were unable to attend, the occasion did bring some 40 past pupils together, including some folk who journeyed over from the UK and the US.
The day got underway in the Oratory of Derrynane House with Holy Mass, celebrated in both English and Irish by the Very Reverend Fr Martin Spillane. With many past pupils participating, Clare Horgan and Tomás ‘Rua’ O’Súilleabháin spearheaded some musical efforts ahead of a guided tour of Derrynane House. There followed a presentation by Ann Marie Moran on Fanny O’Connell, former manager of the school and a Great Granddaughter of Daniel O’Connell’s.
That afternoon, guests joined the former pupils as they stepped into history, visiting the old school, which was furnished on the day with a bounty of interesting historical material.
Within the treasure trove, there were photographs, memorabilia, stories, newspaper articles, and even pupil records, kindly made available by Johnny Michael Gallivan and Jeremiah O’Sullivan.
The historical treat triggered no little reminiscence, and then it was over to a new generation as grandchildren of the past pupils entertained with an offering of music and song ahead of a concluding dinner, more reminiscence, and musical entertainment by the Clare Horgan Trio in the Scarriff Inn. CRITICALLY acclaimed author Paul Howard is set to be the latest guest in Tralee’s edition of its ‘Other Side’ chat show.
Taking place on the night of October 27 in Benners Hotel in Tralee, the author of the hugely successful ‘Ross O’Carroll Kelly’ books will be talking about Ross and all other aspects of his career on the night.
Paul is also the author of the book ‘I Read the News Today, Oh Boy’, which tells the story of the Guiness heir Tara Browne., who died aged just 21.
This is a completely free event and all are welcome to attend on the night; Susan O’Neill has also recently been announced as another guest while more are set to be announced over the coming days.