Up and away in Ughtyneil...New extension to St Patrick’s NS unveiled

A MODERN, state-of-the-art extension to St Patrick’s National School in Ughtyneill was unveiled last week on the first day of the new term much to the delight of children returning to school.

The bright new building that contains one large class room, three support rooms, a staff room and a wheelchair accessible bathroom has given a huge boost to the entire community in the 30 student national school in the parish of Moynalty.

"I’d say it was the first time ever the kids were really looking forward to coming back to school,” said principal Grainne Flanagan.

“They were so excited,” she added.

"Everyone is thrilled, it has been a long time coming and everyone is just so happy to see the face lift that it has got. To see the prefab that was long past its best gone and to see the beautiful bright, new spacious rooms that we have in its place is fantastic and it makes such a difference."

Grainne says the legacy of the tight knit rural school that saw just four students starting junior infants this year has been secured for generations to come.

“There has always has been a real community spirit here in Ughtyneill,” said the principal.

|"You have the children in front of you saying how their granny came to this school, there is that deep connection so this just means to world to everyone involved,” she added.

“This is coming to see us forward into the future for many generations to come.

“The parents association have been brilliant with their fundraising for additional painting an there is a sense of achievement for everybody because it wasn’t just the staff or board of management it was everyone working together to get it over the line.”

Meanwhile fundraising efforts are underway to furnish the school with recreactional facilities to compliment its newly completed extension. The parent's association in St Patrick’s National School are working hard to raise funds for rubber play surface comprising of a basketball court, playground equipment and an outdoor picnic area for both staff and students, an outdoor classroom facility and vegetable garden with a greenhouse.

To help with their campaign search 'Ughtyneill National School’ on www.gofundme.com