Marking 25 years of excellence at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra

IN a joyful and nostalgic event, Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore marked its first major milestone on its 25th anniversary with a truly memorable celebration on Saturday.

The event, which was held in the school, began with a symbolic ceremony of light, followed by a warm welcome from Lainey Harty who represented the Student Council.

Other speakers included Denis Kerins (principal), Niall Kelleher (Chairperson of the Board of Management), Stuart Kelly (Chairperson of the Parents’ Council), Siobhán O Sullivan (1st year class of 1998) and Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD. MC on the day was Karen Sullivan.

Invited guests from the various educational partners included former and current staff, members of the first year class group who started in the new school in 1998, members of the Board of Management, Parents’ Council, Student Council, Presentation Sisters, CEIST and Kerry ETB (Trustees) as well as Minister Foley.

The celebration featured performances from the school’s traditional music group as well as a photo exhibition. The Student Council also put together a time capsule which will be opened in 2048.

Principal Denis Kerins expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the school over the last quarter of a century.

Minister Foley meanwhile praised those who had the extraordinary vision 25 years ago to forge a link between the two schools in order that they could provide better opportunities for students together.

“It was the right people in the right place at the right time,” she said.

The leadership of former principals Sr. Mary McMahon (St. Mary’s Secondary School), the late Ted Kiely (Rathmore Vocational School), Jerh O’Donoghue (former principal of SPSL) and current principal Denis Kerins, have been pivotal to the educational success of the school over the years.

Niall Kelleher took the opportunity, on behalf of the Board of Management, to wish Denis well on his upcoming retirement and to thank him for the huge contribution he has made in the last 25 years including extensive developments.

Minister Foley officially opened the school’s beautiful new sensory garden on the day, in the latest bright development.

Past pupils and members of the local community called in to take a look around the school and chat with their former teachers and classmates over the early afternoon.

Karen Sullivan, history teacher and event organiser expressed her delight at the success of the event and her gratitude to all those who attended and helped in the celebration:

“It was a wonderful opportunity for members of the school community to reflect, reminisce and remember and we were thrilled to see so many past pupils in person and hear from so many more who couldn’t make it.”