Belated celebration for Coláiste Chiaráin official opening

In years past, Sr Agatha Ganly recalled fondly coming up to avenue in Summerhill marvelling at the lawns, gardens and surrounding farmland, but on Friday she was “blown away” and “so happy” as the state-of-the-art Coláiste Chiaráin came into view on Friday for its belated official opening.

Why? Because she said a great school went before it, and one that she knew well as chaplain for some 25 years in St Joseph's Summerhill. And that is continuing now on-site and building for the future with many of her past pupils among the 80-strong staff looking after over 750 pupils.

While there were big numbers when she arrived in 1992, the school and convent building were deteriorating and gradually as the years went on the pupil numbers fell. The Tubberclair native paid tribute to Bishop Kevin Doran for bringing St Joseph's Convent, and St Aloysius together and recalls this time six years ago closing the old school before leaving herself at the age of 80.

Another person with a long association with both schools is Caroline Johnson, who came to St Joseph's from Ardkeenan NS, and returned as its first secretary on November 21, 1982.

She remembered working on an electric typewriter and now they have the best of IT in a new building where they have absolutely everything they need.

While dealing with people has not altered over four decades, she said probably the biggest change over that time was the move to co-education in 2017 with the coming together of both schools in Summerhill to create Coláiste Chiaráin.

“I have worked under six principals and each and everyone of them were lovely to deal with. I have great relationships with them, with teachers and students.

“People come back (former students) and they have kids gone through the school and 'they say Caroline you're still here'”.

“It's been wonderful, I love my job, I'm dedicated to it,” she said, adding that she cannot believe they got their wonderful new building so fast.

And that's something that is a recurring theme in the many speeches on Friday last after a blessing outside by Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, who also unveiled a plaque for the occasion before the large attendance moved into the PE Hall.

Taking its name from St Ciarán, whose roots are in Fuerty, and of course Clonmacnoise, he commented that this too will be a “place of welcome and education".

He recognised the many who were “instrumental in making it possible” including past principals Gerry Kinneavy (St Aloysius) and Liam Nally (St Josephs), department officials and Frank Smith and his project management team, who brought their “dream towards reality” along with many, many others.

Seamus O'Brien, the current Chairperson of the board of management at the school, described the occasion as a “significant moment in education in Athlone and the diocese” noting that the school is at the “cutting edge of second level” provision with 22 subject choices available for students.

He stressed however, that the new building is only part of the story, as he paid tribute among many thanks to the staff who work there, particularly to prinicipal Brendan Waldron, and his two deputy principals Marguerite Donlon and Louise Judge for their collaborative approach with parents and students.

Mr O'Brien also spoke of historic associations of the building and site, referring to St Patrick's window from the Harry Clarke Studio at the entrance, which was originially in St Aloysius as the “jewel in the crown” and how much education had moved on since the site played hosted to one of Daniel O'Connell's famous monster meetings in the 1840s.

The other special guest, Minister of State Peter Burke also referred to the footprint on history on a “proud day” for a "first class school" which boasts over 37 classrooms, six science labs, catering facilities and state-of-art facilities throughout, paying tribute to the Catholic Church for their role in education and health in the State down through the years.

“It is a privilege and an honour to lead this fantastic school and to see our staff and students engage in learning in such a high quality environment is a real pleasure and brings much satisfaction everyday in knowing that all the hard work has been worthwhile,” said principal Brendan Waldron.

“The impact of our environment on teaching has been transformative, the light and space and comfort brings a sense of calm and composure which is truly remarkable and has to be seen to be believed. We can now look forward to more successes and growth with optimism and confidence."

In two eloquent speeches head girl Courtney Tymon, and head boy Aaron Mullins, both spoke about how the school, which they moved into 2020, before it was fully finished in 2022, is more than a building and at the heart is staff and students who bring it to life. That is certainly true as many present, including myself, enjoyed a tour from capable guides Emma and Katie, whose pride in the space was clearly evident.