Speech at St. Brigid’s National School’s 150th Anniversary Celebration
Castleknock, 10th February 2015
A Chomhluadar Scoil Naomh Bhríd,
Ta áthas orm casadh libh a dhaltaí, a thuismitheoirí, a mhúinteoirí díograiseach agus a dhaoine córa ar fad.
Tá lúchair orm a bheith anseo libh inniu chun an comóradh 150 bliana na scoile a cheiliúradh. Is mian liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil leis an bPríomhoide, Denis Courtney, as ucht an chuiridh fial a sheól sé chugam agus gabhaim buíochas libhse go léir as ucht na fáilte fonnmhar sin a d’fhear sibh romham.
[St. Brigid’s School Community, I am delighted to meet you, students, parents, hardworking teachers and ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to be here with you today to celebrate the school’s 150th anniversary. I wish to thank the Principal, Denis Courtney, for his generous invitation, and all of you for the warm welcome you extended to me.]
St. Brigid, after whom this school is named, is one of Ireland’s patron saints. Her feast day falls on the 1st of February every year and is remembered in the poem ‘Cill Aodáin’ by the Irish bard Antoine Ó Raifteiri, which we have just heard recited so enjoyably.
‘Anois teacht an earraigh
beidh an lá ag dul chun síneadh,
Is tar éis na féil’ Bríde
ardóidh mé mo sheol.’
These words have been learned and recited by generations of Irish schoolchildren and I am delighted to see that this tradition is carried on in this school which bears her name. Saint Brigid is much loved in Ireland, and her cross, Crosóg Bhríde, which I saw displayed so prominently here, is still today set over doorways and windows in homes around the country to protect the house and its inhabitants.
In paintings and statues St. Brigid is often shown carrying a lamp, called a lamp of learning and wisdom, to signify her dedication to spreading knowledge and the teachings of the Church. Indeed, she founded many monasteries and schools of art during her lifetime and her legacy is one of kindness, good works, generosity and education.
Irish people have always placed a high value on education and learning, and we can be rightfully proud of our country’s achievements in that field. I wish to salute all the primary school teachers in our country for the crucially important work they carry out day after day.
I know that the teaching delivered here at St. Brigid’s National School has played and continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that all of you, pupils, acquire the skills you need, not just to pursue further education, but also to engage with creativity and interest with the world around you – and to make your own valuable contribution to your families, your communities and your society. You are fortunate to attend a school that emphasises the importance of history, as illustrated by the wonderful projects and the ‘old classroom’ I saw in the library. The old desk, the easel and blackboard, the bell, and even the cane, reminded me of my own primary school days, many years ago.
We are joined today by some of St. Brigid’s oldest past pupils. I am sure that they will agree that since St. Brigid’s National School first opened its doors, 150 years ago, it has undergone many transformations: the wider society, the classrooms, the tools and technologies used for educational purposes – all these have changed.
What has not changed, I trust, is the local children’s thirst for education, and the commitment of the teachers to support and nurture all the pupils in their care.
May I avail of this occasion, then, to very sincerely thank and congratulate St. Brigid’s teachers and the school staff who are so dedicated to providing what is the best gift to our children – a good education. Your tireless work with the school’s sports teams, choir, rainbows group and the very many other extra-curricular opportunities you offer your pupils also help them develop their individual talents. The many successes this school has achieved, such as your Green Flag, your Digital School Award, your School Choir of the Year Awards and your many accomplishments on the sporting field are a credit to pupils and teachers alike.
Pupils here are valued, not only for their results, but for the effort they apply to their work, for their curiosity and spirit, for their sporting and artistic skills, and for being good friends to their fellow pupils. In a school this big, with nearly 950 pupils, I believe every effort is made to ensure that no child is lost with the help of Ceannairí from within the student population. It is an ethos which, I hope, you will carry forward with you into your adult lives, continuing to make your own valuable and inimitable input wherever life may take you.
My wish for all of you, pupils, is that like the generations who have gone here before you, since 1865, you will look back on your days in St. Brigid’s with gratitude and affection – that you will fondly remember the things you learnt, the friendships you made, the teachers who guided you along your learning journey, and the security that came with knowing you were part of this community of Saint Brigid’s. Wherever you may find yourselves in the world in future years, may you always remain connected in a profound way to the people with whom you share this day; the people who have played such a significant part in your formative years.
Visiting you all here today has been a very enjoyable and uplifting experience. St Brigid’s is, indeed, a school that is committed to giving each and every pupil the opportunity they deserve to fulfil his or her true potential.
May I, again, commend your principal, teachers, and the support staff, for your dedication to your pupils; for your constant willingness to go the extra mile and to give that little bit more in order to fully nurture and support all of the children in your care so that they may grow and flourish.
Before I finish, I want to thank all the boys and girls here for making such a special effort today to welcome me to the school and for being so attentive during my remarks.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir agus guím gach rath agus beannacht oraibh.