The opening of the new playground at Caherleaheen NS on Tuesday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanTHE official opening of Caherleaheen National School’s new Community Playground took place on Tuesday morning, in what was a wonderful celebration for pupils, staff, parents and the wider Caherleaheen community.
The rain subsided and a bright morning provided the perfect backdrop as pupils welcomed representatives of Caherleaheen National School Board of Management; John Griffin (Chairperson), Anthony Lynch and Fr Mark Moriarty, Parents Association Chairperson Stacy O’Mahony, Tralee Municipal District Mayor Councillor Angie Baily, Councillor Anne O’Sullivan.
They were joined by Padraig Corkery, Eamon Cunningham and Donal O’Neill of Kerry County Council and Brenda O’Regan of Brookview Childcare.
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There was an especially warm welcome and cheer for former pupil and current Kerry footballer, Armin Heinrich.
The new playground has been made possible through funding from the Kerry County Council Community Recognition Fund, together with the tremendous fundraising efforts of the Caherleaheen Parents Association and numerous individual donations.
Chairperson of the Caherleaheen NS Board of Management, John Griffin in front to pupils at the opening of the new playground at Caherleaheen NS on Tuesday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn Griffin paid tribute to Kerry County Council and the Community Recognition Fund for its significant investment in the rural community, while the school staff and Board of Management expressed their sincere appreciation to the Parents Association for their commitment, enthusiasm and fundraising..
The project also received generous sponsorship and support from Brookview Childcare, The Earl of Desmond Hotel and Emerald Trees.
Work on the playground commenced in early August and was completed in perfect time for the return of pupils to school.
The new playground at Caherleaheen NS. Photo by Dermot Crean
The school expressed particular appreciation for Donal O’Neill’s oversight and to installers J.J.Browne’s, Cork for their superb and professional work in bringing the project to completion.
Principal Mary Connolly said the new facility had been whole-heartedly embraced by the children and was already proving to be an incredibly popular addition to the wider community on afternoons and weekends.
“The playground is much more than an addition to our school facilities. It is a wonderful community amenity which we hope will be enjoyed by local children and families for many years to come,” she said.
Two Caherleaheen pupils, Student Council Chairperson Ben Foley and Ethan Sheridan (Emerald Trees), cut the ribbon together! They were encouraged with huge applause and cheers from their fellow pupils. Scroll down for photos…
Pupils with Chairperson of Caherleaheen NS Board of Management John Griffin, teacher Cllr Paul Daly, Cllr Anne O’Sullivan, Mayor Angie Baily, Fr Mark Moriarty, Principal Mary Connolly and former pupil Armin Heinrich, at the opening of the new playground at Caherleaheen NS on Tuesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
The new playground at Caherleaheen NS. Photo by Dermot Crean
Pupils cutting the tape to open the new playground at Caherleaheen NS on Tuesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Pupils and staff at the opening of the new playground at Caherleaheen NS on Tuesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
So kind of you Dermot. Loved having you there. It was a great day. What lovely photos and we are delighted with your report. Next time, you have to have a cuppa! Thank you for your time and good wishes to all of us here. M