'Historic moment' for college as Icelandic President visits

The President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, paid a visit to Gormanston College, the alma mater of his late father, Johannes, on Thursday last.

President Johannesson and his daughter Edda Margaret paid a privae visit to the Franciscan College, where they were welcomed by principal Dermot Lavin, deputy primcipal, Vincent Dunne, Fr Aidan McGrath OFM, minister provincial of the Franciscan Order, Noel Dempsey, chairperson of the Board of Management, and school staff and guests.

Johannes Saemundsson attended the school for a number of years in the 1950s as his family wished him to have an education with a Catholic ethos.

Mr Lavin told President Johannesson that his visit was an important historic moment for the school community, and that they were very humbled to have him there.

"Our focus today goes back to the decade of the 1950s, some 60 plus years ago as we celebrate a connection that transcends generations. We are proud to remember your late father as one of our esteemed past pupils. A Leinster champion in the discus and a phenomenal athlete, his legacy as a student here is a source of inspiration, and it is a testament to the bonds that bind us together across the generations."

The President was presented with a framed copy of his father's roll entry at Gormanston, as well as a photo of him signing autographs for students after setting a new Leinster discus record, when he added five feet to the previous.

"President Johannesson, your achievements reflect the values that we strive to instil in our students: integrity, dedication, and a commitment to the greater good. Your visit today is not only a tribute to your father's memory but also one of aspiration for our current and future students," Mr Lavin added.

Highlighting the college's history and imminent future expansion, the principal added that: "We work hard to create an environment where students are happy, grow in self-confidence, thrive to their potential and make the very most out of all the opportunities on offer. Education is about encouragement, both inside and outside the classroom and on developing talents, discovery of new interests and preparation for the world beyond school. As we gather here today, we celebrate the spirit of education, the importance of heritage, and the power of inspiration. We are reminded that our past shapes our present and our future, and we are committed to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow with the same values that have guided us thus far.

He added: “Thank you, President Johannesson for honouring us with your presence. We hope that your visit to our school will be as meaningful to you as it is to us. May this day be a celebration of our shared history, our community, and the bright future that lies ahead.”

President Johanssen and his daughter Edda were presented with gifts to commemorate the visit. The President was given a tour of the school, the castle and after a walk through the cloisters, a reception in the castle. Also in attendance were some past pupils, including Ardee native Fergal Reilly, director of the animation, 'The Angry Birds Movie'.

President Johanssen has completed two terms and is stepping down at the end of this month.