Tag Archives: Balloonagh

News, SCHOOLS

Alan Wins Scoil Eoin ‘School Spirit Award’ For 2024

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lan O’Regan with his mom Brenda O’Regan, dad Alan O’Connor, nan Breda O’Regan teachers Carol O’Donoghue and Triona Daly and Principal Kieran O’Toole.

PUPILS from the first and second classes at Scoil Eoin Balloonagh were called to the School Hall on Monday where the Student Council, Mr. O’Toole and Mrs. O’Donoghue awaited them to announce the ‘School Spirit Award’ winner for 2023/24.

The Scoil Eoin School Spirit Award was devised by the Student Council along with Mr. O’Toole in 2016. This award is not academic award, rather an award in recognition of a pupil who promotes inclusiveness and fairness, is a good role model and displays exemplary behaviour.

Each teacher nominates a pupil from their class. The nominations were read out by Mrs. O’Donoghue to the Student Council members at a meeting, without naming the pupils in the interest of fairness.

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The Student Council members weren’t aware of the identity of this year’s winner until the announcement this morning.

The winner, chosen by unanimous vote, was Alan O’Regan from Ms. Daly’s 2nd class.  He was nominated because of his enthusiasm and energy.

Alan O’Regan with his classmates in Ms Daly’s class.

Alan is known for his great sense of humour and his kindness knows no bounds. Alan got a massive surprise when Mr. O’Toole called out his name and presented him with the trophy. Alan’s mom, dad and nan were hidden away and came into the hall once the announcement was made.

Everyone in Scoil Eoin is in agreement that Alan is a deserving winner. Alan’s name will now join Grace, Luke, Tomás, Leon, Philip, Ella and Rían on the School Spirit Plaque.

Alan O’Regan, Scoil Eoin School Spirit Award winner.
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News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Confirmation Day For Scoil Eoin’s Class Of 2021

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Jayden and Alanna Moriarty, with Johnny and Angelina Moriarty, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT was a long time coming, but Confirmation Day finally arrived for the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Class of 2021 on Saturday.

Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church hosted three separate ceremonies to accommodate each of the classes taught by Ms Sugrue, Ms Daly and Ms Curtin.

The ex-pupils wore the uniforms of their new schools and it was clear the vast majority are now attending Mercy Mounthawk!

The weather was beautiful on Saturday which made for an even better occasion for the families. Scroll down for photos…

Luke O’Donoghue, with Leza and Barry O’Donoghue, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Patrick Wojtalik, with Luke and Monika Wojtalik, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Emily Flynn, with John and Michelle Flynn, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Amber Ryan, with Colin and Kay Ryan, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
David Mullins, with Paul and Jacqueline Mullins, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Dean Moriarty, with Breda Flaherty and Yvonne Moriarty, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Sean McCannon, with Mike and Joyce McCannon, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jake Coffey, with Mary Anne and Conor Coffey, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Temera Dagasen, with Sean O’Connor (godfather) and Alan Dagasen, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ms Tríona Daly with her class from last year at the Social Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Also included is Fr Amos and Fr Pádraig. Photo by Dermot Crean
Susan Sugrue (teacher) with her 6th class (2020/21) of Scoil Eoin Balloonagh after Fr Padraig Walsh P.P. assisted by Fr Amos Confirmed them in Our Lady at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church Tralee on Saturday. Photo: Joe Hanley
Fionn Hassett, with Patrick and Amy Hassett, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tiberius Gryglewicz and Fabian Horvath, with Marcin Gryglewicz and Joanna Nowak, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Lauren and Clodagh O’Dwyer, with John and Geraldine O’Dwyer, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cillian McGrath, with Denise and Edgar McGrath, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ms Sinead Curtin with her class from 2020/21 at the Social Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Also included is Fr Amos and Fr Pádraig. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jack O’Sullivan, with Seán O’Sullivan and Amanda Wynne, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Evanne Carroll, with Lorraine Carroll and Christopher Moriarty, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Chloe Mason, with Sarah and Keith Mason, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Bianca Qatja, with Alkeda Mucaj and Anila Mucaj, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Melanie Py, with Caitriona Py Collins and Guillaume Py, at the Scoil Eoin Balloonagh Confirmation Day at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: Ladies Catch Up At Balloonagh Class Of 1987 Reunion

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Organisers Rose Dillon and Irene O’Grady at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE were some great stories told and schooldays relived at a reunion of the ladies from the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1987 at The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night.

The event was organised by Rose Dillon and a number of other past pupils, after she sent a message on Facebook suggesting the girls gather together for a reunion.

The message spread like wildfire and the reaction was amazing. Many travelled to Tralee for the reunion, from Wicklow, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, England and France.

The reactions  when the ladies met each other after so many years were touching when we visited on the night and the soundtrack was very much of an 80s bent to make all those attending feel nostalgic.

It was a wonderful night of catching up and no doubt there’ll be another get-together planned for a few years down the road. Scroll down for photos…

Helen Murphy, Clodagh O’Dowd and Moira Keane at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Caroline McCarthy, Siobhan Hussey and Helen Geary at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Caroline Roche, Christina Doyle, Anne Marie Drummey, Orla O’Regan and Patricia Fenix at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Marguerite Sayers and Aine Ryall at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Georgina Maher, Norma Connolly and Mary Kearney at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Marion Boyle and Mary Culloty at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Geraldine Delaney, Helen O’Connell, Mary O’Connor and Breda Cronin at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Clodagh O’Dowd, Helen Murphy, Moira Keane, Kay Lynch and Maria Godley at the Class of 1987 Balloonagh Secondary School Reunion in The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
News

PHOTOS: Contents Of Balloonagh Convent To Be Sold At Auction

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A Balloonagh Convent book case worth in the region of €5000 an €7000 up for auction.
A Balloonagh Convent book case valued in the region of €5000 to €7000 up for auction.

A SLICE of history is set to be sold off when the contents of the The Mercy Convent in Balloonagh go up for auction next week at the building itself.

Hundreds of items are to go under the hammer – on Saturday, November 14 at 10.30am – from the convent which opened in 1858 and shut its doors for the final time at the end of September .

The items on offer at the auction range from giant bookcases to antique silver spoons, religious statues, paintings, furniture, pedestals, even vinyl records.

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One of the book cases is valued at between €5,000 and €7,000. It is large antique oak seven door breakfront bookcase from the 1860s that originally came from Collis-Sandes House and carries its coat of arms.

There’s also a few potential bargains in there as well like an 8 foot tall, late Victorian carved oak bookcase with an estimated price of between €100 and €200 (see below). And an ornate carved oak coat and umberella stand worth between €60 and €120.

Lynes and Lynes of Cork are auctioneers of the historical lot which also contains some items from Mercy Convent’s in Rosscarbery and Kanturk.

A trust that is linked to the archdiocese of Kerry are the benefactors of the auction. They are also owners of the convent and surrounding grounds including the church. It is unknown at this time what they intend to do with the buildings.

Viewing days will be held at the convent on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week from 10am to 6pm.

Scroll down for some photos of items that are up for auction or you can check out the full list of items on the Lynes and Lynes website HERE  

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An 8 foot tall, late Victorian carved oak bookcase with an estimated price of between €100 and €200
An 8 foot tall, late Victorian carved oak bookcase with an estimated price of between €100 and €200
An Edwardian oak longcase clock, chiming on the quarter with bevelled glass panel, brass weights and pendulum. Estimated Price: €200-300
An Edwardian oak longcase clock, chiming on the quarter with bevelled glass panel, brass weights and pendulum. Estimated Price: €200-300
Quantity of old records. Estimated Price: €20-30
Quantity of old records. Estimated Price: €20-30
Jesus lying in the tomb. No estimated price.
Jesus lying in the tomb. No estimated price.
Religious figure "Our Lord crowned with thorns" under glass dome. Estimated Price: €30-50
Religious figure “Our Lord crowned with thorns” under glass dome.
Estimated Price: €30-50
A fine large antique oak seven door breakfront bookcase in the gothic manner with the Collis-Sandes coat of arms. Circa 1860. Labelled in several places. (H.10'6" W.15'2" approx). Estimated Price: €5000-10000
A fine large antique oak seven door breakfront bookcase in the gothic manner with the Collis-Sandes coat of arms. Circa 1860. Labelled in several places. (H.10’6″ W.15’2″ approx). Estimated Price: €5000-10000
An upright piano, Warwick, London and a stool. Estimated Price: €60-100
An upright piano, Warwick, London and a stool. Estimated Price: €60-100
A large 19th century religious oil painting "Our Lord breaking bread "with figures at a table. Oil on canvas in gilt frame with inscription on back. (5'9"x4'2" approx)
A large 19th century religious oil painting “Our Lord breaking bread “with figures at a table. Oil on canvas in gilt frame with inscription on back. (5’9″x4’2” approx)
Antique french 3 piece marble clock garniture with key and pendulum. Estimated Price: €200-300
Antique french 3 piece marble clock garniture with key and pendulum. Estimated Price: €200-300
An oak framed fire screen. Estimated Price: €30-50
An oak framed fire screen. Estimated Price: €30-50
Entertainment

PHOTOS: Scoil Eoin National School Stages Christmas Concert

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PENGUINS, polar bears, cowboys and walking trees were just some of the characters that could be seen around Scoil Eoin on Monday night as they staged their first performance of their Christmas concerts.

Pupils at the school will be taking to the stage for a three day run until Wednesday. With costumes done and lines learnt the curtain came up for the first of the kids on Monday night.

The infants classes were the first perform, then were then followed by their older schoolmates. Hundreds of proud parents and relatives packed the school hall where plenty of praise was heaped on the young stars.

Scroll down for photos…

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Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Oisin Cotter, Rosin Keehan, Colin Dowling, Jaden Collins and Fionn Cotter. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Oisin Cotter, Rosin Keehan, Colin Dowling, Jaden Collins and Fionn Cotter. Photo by Gavin O’Connor

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Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Ewan Canty, Patrick Wojtalika, Jack Conway, Jack Diggin, Sandra Watakiewitz, Sean McCannon. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Ewan Canty, Patrick Wojtalika, Jack Conway, Jack Diggin, Sandra Watakiewitz, Sean McCannon. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

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Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Adam O'Flaherty, Jack Costello, Lauren Cotter, Baofo Oley, Tom Gleasure, Rory O'Flaherty, Jennifer White, Siona Kirby, Sasha Stack. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Adam O’Flaherty, Jack Costello, Lauren Cotter, Baofo Oley, Tom Gleasure, Rory O’Flaherty, Jennifer White, Siona Kirby, Sasha Stack. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Miah Amborstora, Aoife Begley, Kay Mulcahy, Grace O'Connor, Dominick Ergardt and Layawe Yoyawueng. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Miah Amborstora, Aoife Begley, Kay Mulcahy, Grace O’Connor, Dominick Ergardt and Layawe Yoyawueng. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Gillian Lane, Kian O'Shea, McKenzie Mdeutrol, Donna Rogers and Liam Carmody. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Gillian Lane, Kian O’Shea, McKenzie Mdeutrol, Donna Rogers and Liam Carmody. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the junior infants performing at the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Some of the junior infants performing at the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the junior infants performing at the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Some of the junior infants performing at the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Amber Ryan Gary Scollard, Dean Moriarty and David Mullins. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Amber Ryan, Gary Scollard, Dean Moriarty and David Mullins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Alicia Kislowsky, Ben Casey, Dillion Welsh, Emmet Carmody and Julie Griffin. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Alicia Kislowsky, Ben Casey, Dillion Welsh, Emmet Carmody and Julie Griffin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Some of the junior infants performing at the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Some of the junior infants performing at the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Tara Cashman, Lainey Costello, Ciara Harris, Conan Saino and Sam Gleasure. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Tara Cashman, Lainey Costello, Ciara Harris, Conan Saino and Sam Gleasure. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Cara Gibney Conunb, Emma Hoolihan, Eva O'Sullivan, Malwuina Jankowski, Lucy Carey, Aina Griffin, Muireann McCarthy, Ciara O'Shea and Eva Bahadori O'Shea. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Cara Gibney Conunb, Emma Hoolihan, Eva O’Sullivan, Malwuina Jankowski, Lucy Carey, Aina Griffin, Muireann McCarthy, Ciara O’Shea and Eva Bahadori O’Shea. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Erin Sugrue, Rachel O'Mahony, Paddy Lane and Donnchadh O'Brien. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Erin Sugrue, Rachel O’Mahony, Paddy Lane and Donnchadh O’Brien. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Eric Fitzgerald, Rebecca O'Brien, Olivia Siergiej, Sophie Duggen, Isabelle Dillon, Erin O'Sullivan and Matuaz Talga. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Eric Fitzgerald, Rebecca O’Brien, Olivia Siergiej, Sophie Duggen, Isabelle Dillon, Erin O’Sullivan and Matuaz Talga. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Abbie Canty, Rita Feely, Serena Ong, Danielle Cronin, Dara O'Shea and Veronica Lualukcova. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Pupils who performed in the Scoil Eoin Christmas concert were, from left: Abbie Canty, Rita Feely, Serena Ong, Danielle Cronin, Dara O’Shea and Veronica Lualukcova. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
News

Night At The Dogs For St Ita’s And St Joseph’s

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In St Ita's and St Joesph school to launch their fundraiser night in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on November 21 were, from left, front row: Grace Sheehan (Principle), Lia Lynch, Breda Quilligan, Nicole O'Sullivan, Daniel Diggins, Martina McElligott, Lindsey Dowling (Teacher). Back row: Dylan Hide, Stephen Buckley, Conor Griffin and Luke Scollard. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In St Ita’s and St Joesph school to launch their fundraiser night in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on November 21 were, from left, front row: Grace Sheehan (Principal), Lia Lynch, Breda Quilligan, Nicole O’Sullivan, Daniel Diggins, Martina McElligott, Lindsey Dowling (Teacher). Back row: Dylan Hyde, Stephen Buckley, Conor Griffin and Luke Scollard. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

ST ITA’S  AND ST JOSEPH’S are hosting a fundraising night in aid of vital new extension work which is currently ongoing in the school.

The fundraiser will take place in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, this Friday, November 21. Tickets are priced at €5 with children allowed to go in free.

St Ita’s and St Joesph’s School, Balloonagh, is a special school for children with mild general learning disabilities, but also caters for children with all types of disabilities and autism.

The extension work, contains two purpose built post-primary classes for children with autism is almost completed, but needs a push for it to begin servicing the needs of students in the school.

“Basically we’re trying to complete the work to a standard that the children require,” said principal of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s, Grace Sheehan.

“We have taken on the students who should be in the two new classes, so at the moment we’re functioning in the little corners of the school in short term classrooms,” said Grace.

“We’re finding it difficult to facilitate everyone under the same roof. When the extension work is completed we will be able to facilitate all the different types of services that are needed and also give children the rooms where they will be able to complete the different skills and tasks they need,” said Grace.

Money raised from the night will also go towards activities which are organised throughout the year, such as surfing and horse riding.

“A lot of students wouldn’t be able to afford those type of activities so we provide those resources for them,” she said.

If you want to contribute to this great cause call the school on 066-7125237.

Beauty&Fashion, News

Photos: Balloonagh Ladies Party Like It’s 1997

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Ann Riordan and Elaine Riordan at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O'Donnell's Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ann Riordan and Elaine Riordan at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O’Donnell’s Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

EAR-SPLITTING laughter was the order of the night at O’Donnell’s in Mounthawk  on Friday, as ladies recalled their 90s heyday.

The Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 got back together to reminisce about their schooldays with a ‘Dress To Impress’ theme and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

The glamorous bunch of about 25 ladies, out of the 60 who graduated, enjoyed finger food and some great 90s music as they recalled their halcyon days and fond memories of the now defunct school.

The night was organised by Edwina Hurley who took to social media to organise the night.

“Social media helped and once the girls heard about it they spread the word. We did a few letters and sent them out to a few addresses. We had about 25 who showed up and it was a fantastic night,” said Edwina.

Scroll down for photos…

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Part of the group who turned up at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O'Donnell's Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Front, from left; Caroline Poff, Tara Dillon, Caroline O'Donoghue, Yvonne Fitzgerald and Jackie Moriarty. Back from left; Tricia Moran, Tara Flynn, Caroline McKenna, Aileen Galvin, Andrea Quirke, Edwina Hurley, Noelle O'Sullivan, Stacey Lawlor, Mary Power, Ann Riordan and Elaine Riordan. Photo by Dermot Crean
Part of the group who turned up at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O’Donnell’s Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Front, from left; Caroline Poff, Tara Dillon, Caroline O’Donoghue, Yvonne Fitzgerald and Jackie Moriarty. Back from left; Tricia Moran, Tara Flynn, Caroline McKenna, Aileen Galvin, Andrea Quirke, Edwina Hurley, Noelle O’Sullivan, Stacey Lawlor, Mary Power, Ann Riordan and Elaine Riordan. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Stacey Lawlor, Tara Flynn Yvonne Fitzgerald, Noelle O'Sullivan and Tricia Moran at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O'Donnell's Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Stacey Lawlor, Tara Flynn Yvonne Fitzgerald, Noelle O’Sullivan and Tricia Moran at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O’Donnell’s Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Caroline O'Donoghue, Andrea Quirke, Edwina Hurley, Jackie Moriarty and Tara Dillon at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O'Donnell's Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Caroline O’Donoghue, Andrea Quirke, Edwina Hurley, Jackie Moriarty and Tara Dillon at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O’Donnell’s Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Caroline Walsh, Aileen Galvin and Caroline McKenna at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O'Donnell's Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Caroline Walsh, Aileen Galvin and Caroline McKenna at the Balloonagh Secondary School Class of 1997 reunion in O’Donnell’s Bar, Mounthawk on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

 

Entertainment, News

Schooldays Revisited For Balloonagh’s Class of 1997

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Yvonne Fitzgerald, Edwina Hurley, Noelle O’Sullivan and Stacey Lawlor outside their alma mater on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT was the year the Spice Girls ruled the planet, Leo and Kate became megastars because of some boat movie and Princess Diana’s death shocked the world.

But for the Class of 97, school was out for good as they graduated from Balloonagh Secondary.

Now one ex-student has decided to hold a reunion to remember those halcyon days…and there won’t be a Naff jacket or pair of X-Worx jeans in sight as the theme will be ‘Dress To Impress’.

Edwina Hurley has issued a call to all those who graduated that year from Balloonagh to come to O’Donnell’s in Mounthawk on August 29 at 8pm.

Blasket ad 4There will be laughs aplenty, finger food, music and fond memories shared, said Edwina, when TraleeToday.ie caught up with her and three other ex-students for a photocall outside the school on Wednesday evening.

“There were a couple of people asking for it to be held as a few from the class have returned to Tralee after being away for a time. So it was felt we deserved a good night after all these years. It’ll be a great girls’ night out to catch up and have a good time,” she explained.

“We had three sixth year classes which graduated so there were over 60 students. I’ve located 20 still living in the Tralee area and there’s a couple coming back from England for it,” continued Edwina.

Any particular memory from that time?

“Just the girls really. We all got on well and there was great banter between us. We all got on with the teachers as well.”

Her schoolmate Yvonne Fitzgerald shared her sentiments.

“Memories? Fun, to be honest. I absolutely loved secondary school and I missed the girls when we finished up. It’s great to get to meet them now because we’ve got such busy lives with work and children now, we never get to socialise together. It’ll be great to let the hair down and be a young one for the night again,” she laughed.

Noelle O’Sullivan’s also had fond memories.

“The back of O’Mahoney’s shop is what I remember. Getting the buns on our 11 o’clock break and just having great fun,” said Noelle.

For Stacey Lawlor it was the friendships that were formed.

“A lot of us still have friends from that time. I’d have two close friends who’ll be coming on the night,” said Stacey.

For anyone who’d like to go on the night and catch up on old times, contact Edwina Hurley O’Driscoll at the Vero Moda fashion store on Abbey Court or through her Facebook page by clicking here.