News, SCHOOLS

Joy At Ardfert NS As New School Hall Is Officially Opened

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Minister for Education Norma Foley cuts the tape to officially open the new Sports Hall at Ardfert NS. Photo by Dermot Crean

ALL roads led to Ardfert Central NS last Friday morning as the crowds gathered to celebrate the official opening of its new school hall.

The weather obliged and the sun shone brightly as the Minister for Education, Norma Foley T.D. arrived to cut the tape.

Among the distinguished guests was Bishop Ray Browne who blessed the hall and the Chairman of the B.O.M. Martin Ennis who praised the hard work of all those who fundraised over the years.

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There was standing room only as this day was long awaited.  The Minister cut the tape before entering the hall.   The choir under conductor, Amanda Breen, sang their hearts out and all the children were seated to the front.

Minister for Education Norma Foley with Prinicipal Betty Stack, Deputy Principal Marie O’Connell and Fianna Fáil local election candidate Anne O’Sullivan at the official opening of the new Sports Hall at Ardfert NS. Photo by Dermot Crean

John Breen, the orchestra conductor composed a special arrangement called “An Halla Nua” for the occasion. Mrs. Stack, Principal thanked everyone who had made such a huge contribution to bringing the hall to fruition.

She said all the fundraising events had served not only to build a hall, but to build lasting friendships between staff, parents and the wider community. Mrs. Stack also thanked Cillard Camogie Club for joining forces with the school to get grant aid from Sports Capital.

Thanks were also extended to Patrick Murphy, Engineer and Edward Dowling of Parkway Construction Ltd for the development of the fine facility.

Pupils singing at the beginning of the opening ceremony.

Minister Norma Foley praised the school and its brave decision to build a hall for the needs of its pupils. She praised all the initiatives that the school is involved in and applauded its numerous flags, achievements and awards.

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She was presented with a bouquet of  flowers at the end of her speech.  She met all the children afterwards and answered their many questions.  The school’s Parents’ Association  had prepared a feast for all and the crowd chatted and enjoyed the refreshments  after the official proceedings.

Principal Betty Stack welcomes the crowd assembled for the opening ceremony.

As a treat for the children, the ice-cream van paid a visit at lunchtime and they also enjoyed pastries and cakes prepared by the P.A.

The hall will be a game changer for the school as no longer will the weather dictate the timetabling for PE sport and games, yoga and meditation,  athletics and gymnastics, dance and performance etc. etc.

The new school hall.
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