Celebrations at Clogheen Kerry Pike school for 40th anniversary

Clogheen Kerry Pike National School recently celebrated the 40-year anniversary of the opening of its new school building.

The celebrations included a special walk by pupils from the original school building to the current school site, with musical performances and speeches from pupils, teachers, and invited guests, such as Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin and Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy.

It was a full circle moment for Micheál Goggin, who was in attendance and was principal of the school in 1986.

Current principal Annette Golden told The Echo that the ceremony showcased all that the school strives to represent.

“It was a huge milestone. It was such a big deal to get this open and up on a totally different site to the previous school.

“In 1986 they were hard times. There was an economic recession. So, to get the money that they raised locally for this school open was a really huge achievement.

“We had loads of past pupils who came and walked the re enactment walk with us, because their children are now in the school.

“It was a very generational type thing. We have a few families who are five generations in this school. People are very tight-knit and very proud of our school.”

Ms Golden added that school plays a vitally important role in the local community.

“We believe that the spirit of the school lies in our commitment to guide our pupils to realise their academic, moral, holistic and social potential.

“We emphasise the need for pupils to develop a broad range of skills, competencies and values that enable personal wellbeing, active citizenship and lifelong learning.”