Tullow Community School celebrates silver anniversary 

CELEBRATING the past while striving for the future became the conviction of all at Tullow Community School last week as the school marked its silver anniversary. 

A large gathering of students and many from the community joined in the school’s gym to share in a thanksgiving liturgy, conducted by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Jim Moriarty and the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory Peter Barrett. 

The thanksgiving liturgy welcomed all aspects of school life over its 25 years, with the board of management, teaching staff and students all represented. 

School principal Christy McQuinn welcomed the large gathering and spoke of the school’s proud history following the amalgamation of the Patrician Brothers, the Brigidine Sisters and Tullow Vocational School. He added that Tullow had a long association in the area of education inspired by the dedicated work of the brothers and sisters of these orders. 

He also praised the inspirational work and vision of the school’s first principal the late Herbert Finlayson and former deputy principals Sr Margaret Creagh and Anne Keating, who progressed the school through its formative years. 

The thanksgiving liturgy was enhanced throughout by the involvement of many of Tullow’s students, from the school choir to readers, dancers and musicians. 

Bishop Moriarty paid tribute to their involvement and to the work carried out by all in the school in preparation for the celebration. 

“Today is a reflection of 25 years, but while remembering the past we are also living the present and seeking the future,” he explained. 

Bishop Barrett commented on the wonderful sense of joyfulness and seriousness about the celebration. He too congratulated all involved in the occasion and all those who had taken part. 

MC for the proceedings was teacher David Kenny. 

Brother Cormac Commins spoke on behalf of the board of management and the Patrician Brothers and praised the foresight of the people involved with the foundation of the school 25 years ago when the concept of a community school was a very new one. 

“Twenty-five years in some ways is a very short space of time in the life of a school but in this short space of time the school has enjoyed some great achievements in the academic, sport, arts and culture,” he stated. 

Sr Margaret Creagh spoke of the early years of Tullow Community School and the often-difficult struggle to combine three different ethoses, systems of education and discipline. Yet she added that all involved were unstinting in their committment to creating an inclusive school where everyone is recognised, included and involved. 

Sr Margaret remarked on the tremendous friendships and companionships enjoyed by the Brigidine Sisters among the staff at the school particularly during difficult times such as the passing of the late Sr Joan and Sr Peter. 

Chairman of County Carlow VEC Denis Foley spoke of the pride felt by the VEC to be involved in the success of Tullow Community School, while Lorcan Mac Conaonaigh, assistant chief inspector, spoke of the long standing values of the school - knowledge, conscience and compassion. 

Seamus Cummins of the Community and Comprehensive Schools Association remarked that a school was much more than just learning, efficiency and results, it was also the enhancement of people’s lives. 

Ken Dagg, chairperson of the parents association, thanked all involved in the occasion and wished the school every success in the future.