President impressed by new Athboy Community School

The spirit of Fr Eoghan O'Growney, the Athboy-born founder of Conradh na Gaeilge, was evoked by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, when he opened the town's new community school on Friday morning last. Addressing the gathering in both Irish and English, President Higgins said it was fitting that he was in Athboy during Seachtain na Gaeilge, and he remarked on how he was meeting more and more people in his travels who were competent in the Irish language, and comfortable using it. It was important that it was not just used at formal occasions, but in everyday life, the President added. Mr Higgins, a former Minister for Arts and Culture, was especially impressed by the school courtyard with its theatre-style seating which looks onto the music room. The windows of the music room open back to provide a stage for the seating, providing an instant outdoor theatre. President Higgins braved the rain on Friday morning to take a look at the facility. He also viewed students' projects and met with various class representatives. He was presented with a black walnut pen set crafted by first year Ruairi Smith. To read the full story, see this week's Meath Chronicle.