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Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne, Principal Annette Dineen, Minister for Education and Skills Norma Foley and Chairperson of the Board of Management Frances Day at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
FRIDAY was a red-letter day in the long history of Listellick NS when the new school building was officially opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley.
The opening was attended by past staff, members of the Board of Management, Bishop Ray Browne, local clergy and a number of invited guests who got a chance to view the wonderful new building.
On arrival, Minister Foley was greeted by Principal Annette Dineen before she was given a guided tour by sixth class pupils and members of student council, Daniel and Sophie.
Minister Norma Foley is greeted at the school by sixth class pupils Sophie and Daniel at the official opening on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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During the ceremony, Principal Dineen said they are immensely proud of the new school which was a long time coming.
“I want to acknowledge the many people who came before the present board and myself, those who worked hard to get a new school for future generations of Listellick pupils and staff. These boards of management were long-term thinkers doing the right thing, not for their present day, but for the pupils who were not yet born,” she said.
Principal Annette Dineen welcomes Minister Norma Foley to Listellick NS for the official opening on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
She welcomed former Principal Micheál Ó Cinnéide and Clíodhna Murphy and her husband Gordon representing the late Principal Pádraig Murphy, whom she said worked on the early stages of campaigning for a new school.
Principal Dineen also gave special mention to former Chairperson of the Board of Management Micheál Lynch and current members Mike Roger O’Sullivan and Kay Browne whom she said worked tirelessly to get the new school.
She also thanked the pupils, staff, parents and the greater school community for their support, as well as the current board of management, especially Chairperson Frances Day.
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The builders, design team, local clergy, Kerry ETB and everybody involved in bringing the project to fruition were also thanked.
Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne blesses the room at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Minister Norma Foley said she was honoured and delighted to perform the official opening and it was wonderful to be part of the celebration with the school community.
She said back in penal times there were four hedge schools in the local area prior to the establishment of Listellick school in 1864, which showed the appreciation for education even back then.
“It’s amazing coming from the hedge schools to where we are in 2023, so we can only imagine where we will be in the years to come. It’s a good story when it comes to education in Listellick and we should be proud to tell it. As we look to the future, we should be even more proud to add to the story and the rich legacy as we go forward,” said Minister Foley.
The grúpa cheoil provided a song to end the ceremony while Bishop Ray Browne also blessed the rooms of the building before Minister Foley cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to formally open the school.
Guests were treated to lunch in the sports hall to round off another momentous day in the history of Listellick NS. Scroll down for photos…
Minister Norma Foley meets former teacher Noreen Kavanagh at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Part of the choir at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Principal Annette Dineen with the current teaching staff at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Former staff Caitriona Ní Chullota, Noreen Kavanagh, Maureen Sayers, Micheál Ó Cinnéide, Aileen Bulman, Noreen Barry and John Breen at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Principal of Presentation Secondary Mairead Finucane, Principal of CBS The Green Robert Flaherty and Eileen Counihan of Presentation Listowel at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Pupils at the official opening of the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Minister for Education Norma Foley cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Listellick school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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The new school at Listellick.
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