STUDENTS from Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School made a symbolic appearance in the GAA’s 1916 widely praised commemoration event at Croke Park on April 23.
The equality-based second-level school represented Educate Together pupils nationwide in the Grand Citizens’ Parade, which showcased the full diversity of Irish society and was the culmination of the 30 minute programme.
Pupils, staff and parents of the Dublin 15 second-level school, which opened in 2014, were delighted and honoured to be involved in what was an exciting and large scale production.
“Croke Park is an iconic location and the students of Hansfield ETSS were excited to walk on the pitch,” said Principal Bernie Judge.
“The Educate Together ethos is focused on celebratiing diversity and cherishing children equally and what better place to highlight this than at a 1916 commemorative event at Croke Park!
“We would like to extend our thanks to the GAA for this fantastic opportunity.”
The Principal said students were doubly delighted on the day as Dublin beating Kerry in the League Final added a special touch to their enjoyment.
Conceived to be a show of emotion and spectacle through large-scale innovative theatre, dance, song, image and pageant, the Croke Park commemoration event was an important production for the GAA to remember 1916, the Proclamation and the organisation’s role in the intervening 100 years.
The involvement of students from Hansfield Educate Together represented the educational sector of Irish life in today’s richly pluralistic society.
Their participation symbolised the vital role inclusiveness, diversity and gender equality have within Irish life.
Directed by Ruan Magan, fresh from the recently successful 1916 RTE hit, and featuring newly commissioned music composed by Patrick Cassidy, the event will air on TG4 later this year.