Dragon sighting in Taghmon
EXCITEMENT reached a peak in Taghmon national school as Dusty the Dragon took up residence in the grounds - the large hand-carved wooden creature was created by Taghmon Family Resource Centre Men’s Shed and presented to the school for the children to enjoy.
Dusty is the culmination of a community education initiative which took place under the guidance of artist Paddy Darigan and was funded by Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB)
Teacher Ms Doyle brought her 4th class students to see the men carving the dragon during the project and they wrote stories about how the dragon came to be in Taghmon.
At the official installation, one of the students Grace Chester read her story for everyone in attendance.
Dan O’Flaherty Chairperson of Taghmon Family Resource Centre outlined the work of the centre and explained that the Men’s Shed is just one of the projects that it runs in the community. The centre is funded by Tusla and provides a range of supports and services to families and individuals living in the community of Taghmon and surrounding areas. Dusty’s unveiling formed part of Tusla’s National Child and Family Support Week and there was entertainment afterwards along with information available for families from the Tusla Family Support Team.
Dan thanked the school principal, teachers and students for their support and for agreeing to take custody of the dragon. He commended tutor Paddy Darigan and the men for their dedication and hard work in seeing the project through. He also thanked the supporters and funders of the Family Resource Centre including: Tusla, HSE, WWETB Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Development.
School principal John Ormonde expressed his delight at being invited to give pride of place to the Taghmon Dragon and spoke of the involvement of the children in the project. He thanked Ms Doyle and the now 5 th class students for their work and the entire population of the school for making the day so enjoyable
Entertainment and refreshments were provided in the school after the unveiling.
Anyone would like more information about the Men’s Shed or the Family Resource Centre should telephone 053-9134465.