Tanaiste opens new extension at St Fiach's National School in Ballinacree

Hannah McNamara

Thursday saw the official opening of St Fiach's National School, Ballinacree.

The €1.2 million euro extension, officially opened by Tanaiste Michaél Martin was first approved funding in 2018 for the addition of a new building and classrooms due to the serious mould and fire safety issues throughout the school premises.

The majority of the community made an appearance to the opening of the new building. Not only did 81 current students come to the event but also a number of past pupils and parents.

To celebrate the occasion the senior class performed an original song wrote by their volunteer music teacher, Kyle Reilly, called 'Astronaut.' Some of the other students of the school showed their musical talent through playing the tin-whistle.

The plaque presented on the wall of the new extension was created by a father of three sons that attend the school, Ronan Kearney. It was made in Ross Limestone Quarry, less than 10 minutes from the school, making it local to the community. "It's organic to the environment. We used what the area surrounding us could provide," a spokesperson for the St Fiach's Parent's Association, explained.

To show their gratitude and appreciation, Shane McHugh, principal of St Fiach's NS, presented a signed jersey from All-Black out-half Beauden Barrett, who attended this school as a child, to Michaél Martin.