THE history of the CBS The Green was recalled at a special celebration of the school on Friday on the occasion of the 90th anniversary since the building of the school.
There were many past members of staff and former pupils present for the event which was also saw the official opening of the new astroturf facilities, the unveiling of a beautiful stone sculpture at the Dan Spring Road entrance to the school and the planting of a tree in memory of the late Chairman of the Board of Management, Mr Tom O’Halloran, who passed away last year.
A huge amount of work had gone into preparations for the occasion, including the compiling of photographs of classes from over the decades and articles from down the years which featured in the local press. Past pupils could also search through the roll books from down the years to find their names and recall who was in their class.
Continued below…
The day began with Principal of CBS The Green, Ms Anne O’Callaghan, detailing the history of the building of the school along with the cultural, sporting and academic achievements of the school down the years, followed by Brother James Whelan recalling his time as principal there in the 90s and early noughties.
Mass was celebrated by Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne and ten other clergymen, many of whom are past pupils.
Afterwards, Brother James Whelan cut the tape to open the astroturf facility. Mayor of Tralee Norma Foley then unveiled the stone sculpture made by local stonemason Billy Leen, which will be lit up at night for all to see. There followed the planting of the tree in memory of Tom O’Halloran, watched by his wife Phyl.
Everyone went back into the school for refreshments and no doubt some tales were told about times in the old school.
“It’s been a wonderful day,” Principal Anne O’Callaghan told TraleeToday.ie. “What’s fantastic about it is there are so many former staff and older past pupils present. And the weather has held up too! The Mass was beautiful and everything went off well.” CBS The Green will hold an Open Night on Thursday, October 19. Scroll down for photos…
I would have loved to be able to take part in the anniversary celebrations but did not hear anything until it was too late. It was great looking at the photos of past pupils and teachers. I was hoping to find some classmates of mine but only found one, that of Ger Power. I left school in 1970, the year I did my Leaving Cert. I often find myself thinking about the people I knew at school and what they are doing now.