Coláiste Ailigh celebrates a decade on
March 23, 2010
A decade on and Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny has been to the forefront in terms of academic achievements. And last Friday night, the town’s first Irish secondary school marked its tenth anniversary and those achievements with a dinner-dance in the Mount Errigal Hotel.
Around 300 patrons attended the function including students, past and present, staff, parents, Board of Management, and Donegal Vocational Educational Committee members.
They were there to herald a school which has gone from strength to strength under Principal Míchéal Ó Giobúin and is now regarded as one of the most outstanding educational establishments of its kind in the country.
The night coincided with the launch of a special booklet written by teacher Proínsaid Mac A’Bhaird and chronicling the school’s history. It’s a history that also came alive through an exhibition of photographs, organised by Bríd Ní Ghallchóir, Bláine Mulligan and Áine Ní Ghiobúin, depicting the faces and events from the past decade
Among the various speakers who addressed the dinner-dance, Principal Ó Giobúin spoke of his “pride and honour” at being involved in Coláiste Ailigh and highlighted the fact that it had thrived in the heart of a ‘Galltacht’ area.
Remarking on the love of the language and culture which attracted pupils to the school, he maintained: “Anyone who thinks the Irish language is dead should be here tonight.”
Over 90 per cent of pupils, past and present, were in attendance at Friday night’s function with the Principal acknowledging each and every year and the respective students and parents. He also thanked the 18 strong staff for their professionalism over the ten years and praised everyone for their input into the school.
Other speakers commented on the “strong community spirit” that existed in Coláiste Ailigh – a comment that was reinforced with the presence of so many who sit, or have sat, in the classrooms of the school.
Among the other speakers were Bishop Philip Boyce; the Chief Executive Officer of the V.E.C., Mary Ann O’Kane; and local T.D. James McDaid who launched the commemorative booklet. Former Chief Executive Officer of the V.E.C., Seán Ó Longáin launched the school’s new website as part of the anniversary celebrations.
A C.D., marking the ten years of the college, will be launched at the school prizegiving ceremony on May 27th.
Donegal Democrat
23 Márta 2010
