Scoil Mhuire, Clondra, celebrated the official blessing and opening of their school extension on Friday, 16th March 2012. It was a day of great joy and celebration with the whole community coming out in force to be part of the special occasion. The school and surrounds were in tip-top condition as parents and locals painted, cleaned, landscaped and did a general tidy-up of the local area.

Mass was celebrated at 3p.m. by Bishop Colm O’Reilly, assisted by Fr Nigel Charles, Fr Sean Casey and Fr Michael McGrath. The pupils took part in all areas of the mass by reading, singing and saying prayers. Mass was followed by a blessing of the extension and blessing of crucifixes for each classroom. The pupils then entertained the assembled guests with a brilliant display of music, dance and drama.
Bishop Colm payed tribute to the excellent development which has taken place in the school. He went on to highlight the importance of small rural schools and the necessity to work to prevent their loss. Denis Glennon, Chairperson of the Board of Management, welcomed the assembled guests and thanked all those involved in the building of the school, particularly local people and businesses. He paid tribute to Colette McManus, saying that she initiated, drove and oversaw the project. Michael Galvin, a representative of the parents, spoke of the warm, friendly atmosphere in the school, with all the children knowing each other – ‘like one big happy family’. He also commented on the school’s commitment to sports and IT. Colette McManus expressed her thanks to the local community ‘who have shown the real meaning of meithal’ in the preparations for the day. She welcomed the celebrations to brighten up the doom and gloom of present days.

After the speeches, the official cutting of the ribbon and unveiling of the plaque took place. A marquee (kindly donated by Pat Farrell) was packed with an abundance of hot and cold refreshments. The parents and local community must be commended for their generosity in providing every conceivable type of sandwich and confectionary – proof that the art of baking is alive and well in Clondra. Old friends and acquaintances reminisced on past times and viewed the many exhibits of children’s work, photos and roll books. A fabulous day was had by all.
Finally, the Board of Management and staff of Clondra National School wish to express our sincere gratitude to parents, pupils and members of the wider community who gave so much help in the preparations for the day.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh to all who helped in any way to make this a memorable day in the history of Clondra.

Opening mass

Bishop Colm O’Reilly cuts the ribbon