In pictures: Cork school overcomes 'many challenges' to open new facilities

Sun, 06 Oct, 2024 - 13:15

Amy Power

Aghabullogue National School last week celebrated a milestone occasion with the official opening of new facilities, including a much-needed expansion.

The ribbon was cut on the new one-classroom extension and outdoor ball wall by past pupils of the school, camogie stars Cliona Healy and Meadhbh Ring.

Speaking to The Echo ahead of the ceremony, school principal Michael Mather said the board of management chairperson, Tadhg O’Riordan, would lead the celebrations and that the “whole community” had been invited — including parish priest Fr Peadar Murphy who was to perform a blessing.

Pupils who played the music at Aghabullogue national school during the blessing and formal opening of the new classroom and playing facilities at the school. Picture: Eddie O'Hare.

Mr Mather said: “Aghabullogue NS is a small, rural school, so while it’s a one-classroom extension and an additional hallway that’s been added, in reality it’s created a great footprint for the school and it’s allowed the school building to breathe.

“It finally gives us the room we need here to cater to the children the way we want.”

Yesterday’s official opening, he said, marked the culmination of a “long journey” which began around 2019.

Former pupils and camogie stars Meadhbh Ring and Cliona Healy unveil a plaque with Fr Donal Roberts; Tadhg O’Riordan, board of management; Fr Peadar Murphy; and Michael Mather, principal, during the blessing and opening of the new classroom and playing facilities at Aghabullogue NS. Picture: Eddie O'Hare.

“Eventually through hard work from the board of management, the funding was secured [for the classroom extension],” Mr Mather said.

“I was very grateful for the support of the board, because it was a difficult time to build,” he said, mentioning the covid pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which resulted in inflationary challenges.

“There were many, many challenges, but definitely worth it, and it gives us a great sense of satisfaction to be able to provide the extension for the school and the community.”

Pupils enjoying the new playground at Aghabullogue national school during the blessing and formal opening of the new classroom and playing facilities at the school. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Speaking in relation to the ball wall — a separate project — Mr Mather said the school applied in conjunction with Aghabullogue Camogie Club for a sports capital grant towards the project.

The project also required support from the community to see its completion.

“We got great support from Aghabullogue NS Parents’ Association, the camogie club, our local point to point committee invested in the project, our local GAA club invested in the project,” Mr Mather said.

Pupils waiting outside for the lovely treats at Aghabullogue national school during the blessing and formal opening of the new classroom and playing facilities at the school. Picture: Eddie O'Hare.

“Local businesses supported the project, Tom Walsh in DCE; Macroom Credit Union; Danone in Macroom; All Plast,” he said, additionally thanking local representatives for their support.

“I think the school and the community have displayed an ability to deliver on capital projects to a high standard, even under difficult market circumstances.”