25 Year Celebrations at Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan
February 10, 2011
Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan is celebrating its 25th year! The school is situated in Muirhevnamor close to the Dublin Road. It has 14 teachers and 200 pupils and is housed in an impressive building which was officially opened on the 17th June 1997 by Mr. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, the chairperson of Bord na Gaeilge at that time.
The school has flourished greatly since its origins as an All-Irish stream in nearby St. Joseph’s School. The stream was established in 1980 due to the efforts of a number of parents who wished to have their children educated through the medium of Irish. Its inception began with one teacher and six pupils in a pre-fabricated building.
In 1986, the all-Irish stream was granted independent status by the Department of Education by which time it had 5 teachers. Mr. Rónán Ward became the first principal of the school. The school remained on the St. Joseph’s site until a new school building was built adjacent to the Dublin Road.
Annette Bn. MhicArdáil became principal in 1991 and remained in her post until she was succeeded by Mr. Pat McCann in 1999.
Major celebrations will take place in March to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the school. On the 11th March, an oíche of “craic” agus ceol” will kickstart the events. Entertainment will be provided by traditional musicians and dancers associated with the school through the years. The following week’s events will culminate in a celebratory mass on the 16th March at 11.00 in the Church of the Holy Family. Bishop Gerard Clifford will officiate at the mass which will be attended by members of the school community, ‘muintir na háite’ and others.
Of course the children will enjoy some in-school events as part of the celebrations and will receive a small memento of the occasion as well as a little booklet which will commemorate this important milestone. All events and updates can be followed on facebook, so make sure not to miss what will surely be a great week of celebrations in the Gaelscoil! Bígí linn!
