Step back in time for Ardfert NS

THERE was great excitement last week in Ardfert School as the third class children and some of the teachers travelled back in time to help re-enact an event that took place in Ardfert more than 100 years ago.

It was all part of a new documentary being filmed by James McCarthy of Digimac Video and Photography, Fenit.

James is undertaking a new project, a two hour special documentary on the history of Ardfert and he enlisted the help of the present Ardfert School children to emulate the children of Ardfert School in the early 1900’s.

The children were eager to be involved and researched many historical events under the guidance of their teachers. and after much consideration they decided to re-enact “Lá na gCrann” (the day of the trees) which took place in October 1908. It was a day of tree planting and the tree planting was performed by the Ardfert School children of the time. “Lá na gCrann” was an initiative taken by the landlord Mr. Lyndsay Talbot-Crosbie of Ardfert Abbey.

Mr. Lyndsay Talbot-Crosbie was a member of the Irish Forestry Society, hence his interest in tree planting. Prior to the event at a press conference he specified his aims.

He hoped that through “Lá na gCrann” the children of Ardfert School could set an example capable of being followed throughout the country, an example of appreciation and respect for the amenities of the community and,of whatever contributed to making the life of the community more wholesome and pleasant.

The School Master, Mr. Tom Nunan gave the children words of encouragement and advice as they planted. Mrs. Talbot Crosbie, Mrs. Gould and Miss Bradshaw presented special “Lá na gCrann” boxes of chocolates to all the tree planters on the day.

The children really enjoyed re-enacting the above events and look forward to seeing themselves in the documentary when its completed.

Mr. Lyndsay Talbot - Crosbie would be very proud of the present Ardfert School children and the way they care for the environment. He would be very impressed to see the school’s green credentials in the form of seven green flags flying proudly in the school yard today.

Pupils and teacheers re-enacting the Old Crosbie Estate in Ardfert on Thursday where they were filmed for the documentary by James McCarthy from Fenit.