Last Monday, September 28th, was a very special day in Scoil Mhuire, Knockavilla when the school community welcomed Lt Darragh Lavelle and Private Chloe McMahon to the school.
Miss O’ Dwyer, Principal Teacher, welcomed the two members of the Defence Forces together with Minister Tom Hayes, Mr Noel Coonan T.D., Mr Mattie McGrath T.D. and Mr. John Crosse MCC to join with the pupils, staff members, Board of Management members and representatives of the Parents’ Association at this lovely ceremony on a beautiful autumn morning.
Holly Fitzgerald, Jade Redden and Ava O’ Dwyer read Pádraig Pearse’s poem ‘The Wayfarer’. Claire Kelly and Dylan O’ Grady read a section of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence. Private McMahon then presented a copy of the Proclamation to Suthon Grene on behalf of the school. Lexie Quigley was presented with the National Flag by Lt. Lavelle on behalf of the school. The pupils then had a chance to ask the members of the Defence Forces about the Irish Army and 1916. The ceremony ended with all of the pupils, school staff and guests singing Amhrán na bhFiann.
Everyone here in Scoil Mhuire is looking forward to March 15th 2016 when all schools will take part in the next part of the schools’ celebrations of 1916.
