Excitement builds ahead of official opening of Clonmany National School

Excitement is building in Clonmany as the village prepares for the blessing and official opening of its new national school this Friday. Ever since its doors opened last September, the school’s 161 pupils, 16 staff and the local community have been looking forward to the “big day” which comes 176 years after the original school was built in 1834. The impressive modern building houses eight classrooms, each equipped with its own “en-suite type” toilet and drinking water facilities. There is also a large general purpose room/gym, principal’s office, reception and more. Pupils range from junior infants to sixth class while the staff is made up of six teachers (including principal Noella Doherty), three special needs assistants, two visiting resource teachers, a learning support teacher, classroom assistant, secretary, cleaner and caretaker. The blessing of the school at 11.00am will be performed by the Bishop of Derry, Most Rev. Dr. Seamus Hegarty, followed by the unveiling of the new school date by Fr. Jack Farrell and Sarah Frances Quigley, believed to be oldest surviving past pupil, and the two youngest pupils currently attending the school. Principal Noelle Doherty said everyone associated with the school was “excited” about the ceremony. She added: “Children, teachers, school staff, parents and members of the board of management are all working very hard to prepare for the big day.” Ms. Doherty extended thanks to everyone who contributed to the construction of the new building. She said: “The parents worked so hard to fundraise and this meant we were able to equip the school with the resources we needed. “They all really came together and raised a fantastic amount of money. There was also the parish contribution with the land. We also had a few anonymous donations made which made money available to us to do a lot of things we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. “We are so grateful to all the different people who worked together to make it happen.” The opening ceremony will feature entertainment provided by the pupils and refreshments will be served courtesy of the parents’ committee. The celebrations will continue at 7.00pm in the evening when the school’s doors will reopen to give the wider community a chance to visit and join in the celebrations. Dancers from the Coyle School of Dance will “kick off” the proceedings and a number of past-pupils/supporters of the school have agreed to provide musical entertainment. The Gateway Singers will perform a number of choral pieces at around 9.00pm and the hard working parents’ committee will serve tea and light refreshments from 8.00pm-10.00pm. Ms. Doherty said the evening event offered parents, members of the public and “as many past pupils as possible” the opportunity to look around the school in the company of the present staff. She said she hoped as many past pupils, staff members, members of boards of managements and parents’ committees as possible would be able join in the celebrations.