Irish Medium Education Celebrates In Downpatrick

Nuala Ní Chatháin, head of the Irish Unit, pictured with pupils Freya Savage, Enya Nelson and Ruby Milligan.

Tuesday evening past saw a wonderful celebration of 21 years of Irish Medium Primary Education in Downpatrick at Our Lady and St Patrick Primary School, when young & old, past and present staff & pupils, parents, & members of Cumann Gaelach Leath Chathail came together for a night of music, song, dance & craic.

Delighted with the success of the celebration, Nuala Ní Chatháin, head of the Irish Unit, said: “There were speeches from Colin Bowd, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Simone Prenter Principal, Hugh Kelly first Principal of the Irish Unit & Siobhán O’Connell on behalf of Cumann Gaelach Leath Chathail.  Much was said about the benefits of Bilingual Education, the amazing cultural & educational experiences available for the children and the growth of the Irish language in the Lecale area.

Pictured are, seated, Paula Tumelty, Cuman Gaelach Leath Chathail with Caithlin Crawford, and past pupils Kevin Sloan and Joseph Rice, Múinteoir Bhrídín, Simone Prenter( principal), Caithlin Ni Crissican, (past pupil), Colin Bowd (chair of the Board of Governors), and pupil Rhys Kearney.

“Tribute was also paid to the founding members Pat Mac Thiarnán, Kit de Napier and Paula Uí Thomaltaigh for their foresight and vision.  Then the large crowd in attendance was treated to songs from Rang 6/7, Irish dancing from past and present pupils & traditional music from the Higgins, Savage and O’ Nualláin families.

“It was such an uplifting experience for all the staff to get a chance to catch up with past pupil & parents that they hadn’t seen in many years, & hear the wonderful stories of how they are progressing in life with many of them in the world of work, at third level education & others continuing their studies at school.  Most importantly however, Irish still plays a huge part of their daily lives,” added Nuala.

Some of the founders, board members, Cuman Gaelach Leath Chathail members and teachers and principals pictured at the 21st anniversary celebration beside the quilt that was made for the tenth anniversary.