President joins in golden celebrations

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins was guest of honour at Beneavin De La Salle College in Finglas earlier this month to help the local school mark its golden anniversary.

Beneavin is marking the milestone with a series of events, including the making of a film about its 50 years of rich history that will be previewed in the school this Friday.

During his historic visit, President Higgins officially launched the college’s arts and sports festival that’s taking place this week and was presented with a sculpture of the original school bell, replicas of which will now also become perpetual President Higgins art awards for students.

The president was also presented with letters from the students, bound in leather, and a commemorative tie specially woven for his visit. Copies of the tie will now be awarded to outstanding senior Beneavin students who will have the honour of knowing the President of Ireland was the first man to wear one.

School principal Aideen Cassidy said there was great excitement around the college for the presidential visit.

“President Higgins met representatives from a wide range of extra curricular groups in the college including all our sporting heroes in football, basketball, athletics and badminton as well as members from our clubs dedicated to hiking, computers, film making, community outreach, arts and music,

? she said.

“We are delighted that the President of Ireland honoured Beneavin College and the community of Finglas with his visit and helped mark our 50 years of excellence in education.

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Beneavin De La Salle College was founded by the De La Salle order of teaching brothers in Ireland. The brothers set up a monastic community in Beneavin House, where Beneavin Lodge is now located, and in 1963 the school was built.