Derryquay National School Centenary Celebrations

DERRYQUAY NATIONAL SCHOOL CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

Almost six hundred people attended the centenary celebrations on May Day. Bishop Bill Murphy celebrated the mass with Very Rev. Sean Hanafin, Very Rev.Michael O’ Leary, Rev.Michael Moynihan and Very Rev.Michael O’ Dochartagh. School pupils assisted with readings, prayers of the faithful, bringing up the gifts and singing in the choir.

Refreshments were served by Derryquay I.C.A. and the Parents Council. A commemorative plaque was unveiled which was carved by George Hayes from an old pitch pine school bench in memory of all the past pupils and as a symbol of the excellence and learning in the school. WWW.DERRYQUAYNS.IE was launched by Pat Doody of the Parent Council to enable everyone to maintain links with our school. Bishop Bill Murphy planted an Oak Tree and Chairman; Seamus Murphy spoke about the significance of the oak in Derryquay and its roots and mentioned that it was appropriate to remember our own roots on such an historical day. The community look forward to observing the commemorative tree growing in parallel with their school prospering.

One hundred balloons were released by the school children who also extinguished 100 candles on the school’s birthday cake. Principal Anne Dennehy and Journalist and past pupil Gerard O’ Regan addressed those in attendance. Colin Doody and Shauna Moriarty , our school’s youngest pupils made presentations to Sheila Foley and Michael Kelliher,the oldest past pupils.Padraig Kennelly made a presentation of one of his archives to Mrs. Foley. Music, song, polka dancing and entertainment were provided by local talented people and and a great day was had by everyone. The function continued in Keane’s Bar that night where old school pals met up for a chat about bygone days.

The photographic exhibition and display of school memorabilia were of great interest and are on display at present in the school. A limited number of commemorative booklets are still available at ten euro each or three for twenty five euro. Past pupil, David O’ Sullivan (tel: 085 7799240) was the photographer for the day and has a slide show and music available on DVD for sale if required by anyone.

Photographs by Photographer David O’Sullivan.