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(click to enlarge photo) In front of a wall of old photos, looking forward to the launch of a book on the history of Blennerville and its national school on Saturday, were members of the book committee. In front; Helen Sugrue, Maura O’Donnell and Michael O’Connor. Back; Martin Moore, Mary Wallace and Fr Francis Nolan. Photo by Dermot Crean
BLENNERVILLE school is looking forward to welcoming people to the launch of a book on the history of the school and community this Saturday.
‘Blennerville National School And Community – A Story Worth Telling’ is a fantastic compilation of stories, photos and a history of the area, expertly put together by a hard-working committee.
“It’s an open day and the book will be for sale on the day,” said Michael O’Connor, former Principal and member of the book committee. “We’ll have tea and coffee and we’ll enjoy a slideshow of the photographs that feature in the book on a slideshow in the classrooms during the afternoon.”
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An interest in the history of the old school in Blennerville and the part it played in the lives of the local community was ignited when construction commenced on the new national school last January.
“We realised there was a much wider story to tell than just the school,” said Michael. “For instance, the train ran at the back of the school, there was a funfair at the front of the school and it features the clergy that were involved in the school and played such a huge part in running it. It’s a lovely record of the school and the community.”
Wonderful stories and photos are now compiled into book that will surely resonate and indeed touch many families, stirring old memories and engaging newer generations.
For past pupils, the launch is a chance to capture memories before the school is gone.
“It’s a chance for people as well to come and have a look around and take photos before the building is demolished in early January,” said Mary Wallace of the book committee.
Principal of Blennerville school, Terry O’Sullivan said it won’t be long before the children move into the new building.
“We’re set to move in on January 7 after the Christmas holidays. We’ll be moving all the equipment over during the break. The official finishing date for the building is November 27 and they’ll be ‘snagging’ after that, so we’re on target,” he said.
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The launch of this book will take place in the old school in Blennerville during the course of Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm.
An open invitation to attend the launch is extended to all. Refreshments will be served and a warm welcome is assured. The book costing €10, will be available to purchase on the day.
Later on that evening at an 8pm mass at Curraheen, Fr Francis Nolan will celebrating Mass acknowledging how the school contributed to the community and lives of people who attended the school.
A social evening in Quane’s Pub in Blennerville will round off a great day for the community.
In the weeks after the launch, the book will be available to purchase at outlets in Tralee and in Blennerville village.
For those who would like to have it sent abroad the book can be packaged and posted to anywhere in the world at a total cost of €15.
