Celebrations mark 50 years of Coolronan school

There were celebrations aplenty at Scoil Mhuire NS, Coolronan, Ballivor, on Sunday for the 50th anniversary of the school which was attended by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey and the Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith. The school was also celebrating the completion of the new extension which has provided an extra classroom and disabled toilet, while one of the existing classrooms will now be used as a resource classroom. The new principal at the school is Janette Maguire, who took over the role in September, from Ben Dormey, who has moved to another school. There are 39 pupils in the two-classroom primary school and two mainstream teachers. Ms Maguire teaches third to sixth class and Eithne Crowley teaches from junior infants to second class. There are also two part-time resource teachers, two special needs assistants and six part-time teachers who teach art, PE, music, drama, knitting and French. While there was previously a school at Coolronan, the current school site opened in 1959 and, to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the school, a day of celebration was held on Sunday. Ballivor Parish Priest Fr Oliver Devine celebrated Mass in the school at 3pm followed by speeches by Minister Dempsey and Bishop Smith. Author and broadcaster John Quinn also spoke and actress Mary McEvoy (Biddy in 'Glenroe'), who is a neighbour of the school, also attended the event. Parents, pupils and past pupils gathered in the marquee erected for the day and there was a photo exhibition of pictures from the past 50 years. The children performed a number of songs, accompanied by Ms Maguire on guitar. A children's disco took place in the marquee after the food was served and went on until 7.30pm. A great afternoon was enjoyed by all present. Ms Maguire said: "The evening was a great success. As the new principal, I am honoured to take over the school and it will be onwards and upwards from here. We now have a new classroom and will be able to take in more pupils and we also have a disabled toilet and can take disabled pupils now."