Athy Gaelscoil celebrates 20th anniversary 

Gaelscoil Átha Í celebrated its 20th anniversary last Thursday (12 June) with a celebration at the academy.

Alongside the 155 students, there were also the staff, the board of management, and a selection of past pupils from over the years, according to teacher Dáibhíd O Sé.

“There was past teachers, board of management , past pupils all there to celebrate the occasion,” said Mr O Sé.

“We had between 70 and 80 guests, along with the 17 school staff, from teachers, to the caretaker and secretary, and seven from An Foras Patrúnacht.

“They’re responsible for all the Gaelscoileanna across the country.

“There was traditional dancing and singing, and an ice cream van for the kids, finger food for the adults, and it gave everybody the chance to catch up.

“There speeches from headmaster Eoin Pluncéid and the chair of the board of management Treasa Uí Neill.”

He added: “We unveiled a new school flag on the day, and were hoping to have a mural painted on the front wall of the school.

“It will be a representative of Athy, with elements of the school mixed in with it.

Athy Comhaltas and Athy Sing and Sign also performed.

Sinead Ni Nualláin

A special mention has to be made in memory of múinteoir Sinead Ni Nualláin who was principal here between 2004 and 2015, but died a few years ago back in 2021.

“We had members of her family here for the first time since her passing,” said Mr O Sé.

“It can be safely said that there would have been no Gaelscoil without her. She was a phenomenon.”