REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE DURING HER VISIT TO ST. CLAIR’S NATIONAL SCHOOL
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE DURING HER VISIT TO ST. CLAIR’S NATIONAL SCHOOL TUBBERCLAIR, GLASSON, CO. WESTMEATH
Thank you all very much for your marvellous and warm welcome to St. Clair’s – on my first official visit to the “Village of the Roses” – on the banks of Lough Ree – a parish that is steeped in history – and which has strong connections with the celebrated writer, Oliver Goldsmith. I know that most of you come from the Glasson area – but many, who obviously have a great liking for Glasson and the friendliness of the place – travel from outside the parish – from Athlone – from Ballymahon – and even from Sweden - just so that you can come to the famous St. Clair’s.
But St. Clair’s is quite a school – winning the Bord Failte Garden Competition – the Esso Schools Wildlife Project Programme – and the Bank of Ireland Schools Environment Competition. And then on the sports side – both the boys and girls have played in Croke Park on All Ireland Hurling and Football Day – and some of your past pupils have gone on to represent Ireland at Rugby, Soccer, Volleyball and Canoeing. And if that isn’t enough – the school band and choir plays in the annual Cor Fheile – and there have been prizes in Art, Poetry, Speech and Drama competitions. Is it any wonder then – that people are prepared to come so far to go to school in St. Clair’s!
I don’t know if it’s the Glasson air or the Shannon water – but something tells me that it might have something to do with the marvellous teachers you have here in St. Clair’s – teachers who take a particular interest in you and your future – and give you the care and attention (I said attention – not detention!) - that will let you discover your own talents in sports or the arts – and give you the knowledge and skill to follow the many others from this school – who have gone on to excel in whatever the do.
I want also to commend your parents – for their decision in sending you to St. Clair’s. They clearly know a good school when they see one – and have the interest in your futures to send you to a school like this - that they know will take an interest in your education – and will encourage you to do your very best.
I want to thank you all again for your friendliness – and for letting me interrupt your classes – which I know are so precious to you! – so that I could have this opportunity to say hello. I hope that you continue to enjoy the happiness that you have in St. Clair’s for many years to come – in your future education – and when you take up your careers - and I wish you all the best in your summer exams!