Kildare school celebrates 125th anniversary

THE day had started cloudy as forecast, but the also-promised sunny spells came a little early to mark the opening of the 125th Anniversary celebrations at Ballyshannon National School. 

As it was also Grandparents’ Day, there were memories that went back to when school itself had a grey feel, as one older man remarked to me. "It's a different world," he said as he looked around at the colourful classrooms, the playground and the nature spaces. "We used to be afraid when going to school ..."

Fear is not a part of today's classrooms, as was clearly evidenced among the current cohort in the 119-pupil school. Smiles and laughter marked their presence in the sunshine. For them, the day was a special one, to be recalled with joy when talking about their schooldays to their own grandchildren.

The main event was a mass celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty of the Kildare & Leighlin Diocese and Suncroft parish priest Fr Barry Larkin, who arrived preceded by a local piper. All present were welcomed by the principal, Lorraine McGovern. 

"I've had the privilege of being principal here for the past 17 years, and one of the greatest joys of the role has been watching families pass through the school generation after generation," she said. "There's something very special about welcoming a child into the same classrooms with their parents, and sometimes even grandparents. Over the years, I've met so many parents and pupils whose commitment and affection for the school have never faded. No matter where life has taken them, they still speak warmly about their days here." 

She said she loves hearing the stories from those parents and grandparents about the mishaps, the friendships, the schoolyard adventures, and even the memories that maybe weren't so good at the time. "Those stories remind us that school life is about far more than lessons and books. It's about belonging, it's about community, it's about people who shape us along the way."

As the mass got underway, children presented gifts to symbolise various aspects of their school life: a candle to represent faith from Ollie, a book to mark the importance of learning brought by Clodagh, and a jersey for teamwork, sport, and the school spirit presented by Safia. A baby oak tree, brought up by Kyrylo, was to be later planted in the grounds by Bishop Nulty.

During the event, the Prayers of the Faithful were read by Conor, Clodagh, Cian, Sadie, and a second Conor. Other children brought items for a Time Capsule, including photographs, prediction sheets, and video messages, as well as items reflecting everyday life in 2026 — popular music and films, technology used by pupils, school timetables, newsletters, uniform items, and lunch menus.

 The children's participation also included songs accompanied by the school's ukulele band, while Kaylee concluded matters by reading a poem written about Ballyshannon NS.

Bishop Nulty expressed his appreciation for the invitation to be part of the celebrations. He congratulated the children who had recently received the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation, and commended the school for its range of extracurricular activities that include debating, choir, Cumann na mBunscoil, aquatics, athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, and chess.

The celebration finished with refreshments for all the guests, including a birthday cake marking the special day.