Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch celebrates milestone

BALLYMUN’S first Irish language school is celebrating its 40th anniversary this Saturday (June 22) with an evening of music and fun at the Dublin Airport Carlton Hotel.

Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch began life in prefabricated buildings back in July 1973 following a three year battle fought by a committee established in 1970.

The committee found that there were 87 children in the area whose parents wanted them educated through Irish but the committee faced stiff opposition from both Government and religious authorities.

It was a cause for celebration then when Padraig Ã? hEarcáin, the school’s first principal, and teachers Dónal Ã? Loingsigh, Aodhnait Ní Choltair and Róisín Nic Niadh opened the school doors and taught the first 43 pupils.

Parents such as Proinsias Ã? Tuathail, Ã?ilis Bn Uí Longáin and Colm Ã? Tórna were at the centre of school’s development over the years and through incredible effort managed to acquire a proper school building in 1983.

The school’s boards of management have been chaired by an exceptionally committed group of individuals beginning with Eithne Ní Mhuireagáin, Antóin Mac Giolla Rua, Cáit Mhic Chárthaigh, Máire Bn. Uí Dhubhlainn, Áine Ní Mhurchú and, at present, Ã?na Ní Riain.

Although the school is 40 years old there have been only three principals: Padraig � hEarcáin, Dónal � Loingsigh and, since February last year, Deaglan � hAinle.

Many wonderful teachers have worked in the school over the years but especially remembered is Máire Bric, who began her teaching career in the school in 1977 and stayed there until her death in 2011.

It is difficult to describe in full the various elements that constitute Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch but culture, friendship and respect for others are at its heart.

Tickets for Saturday’s event are available for

?¬20 from the school.