Ballivor en fete for opening of village's new national school

An estimated crowd of more than 1,500 people gathered for the opening of the new St Columbanus NS in Ballivor on Monday evening of last week as local TD and Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art new school building. The growing population of the village meant the old school building could not cater for the increasing numbers and pupils and staff moved into the new building, which is situated across the road from the old school, last September. Last week's ceremony began with a formal closing of the old school attended by Minister Dempsey, Bishop Michael Smith, Fr Matthew Mollin, Fr Oliver Devine, Meath County Council chairperson Cllr William Carey and many people associated with the old school, including principal William Keegan, two former principals, teaching staff, former members of the boards of management and the parents' committee, as well as children's representatives. Writer and broadcaster John Quinn, a native of the village, read a piece he composed especially for the occasion based on the school's motto 'Céim ar Chéim'. Ailish Keegan played the violin during the ceremony as they remembered everyone associated with the school over the years. From here, the group moved across the road to the new school, which opened last September and now caters for 321 pupils and 21 staff. A marquee and stage were set up and a huge crowd, including teachers, children, parents, the board of management, parents' association representatives and the local community gathered for the event. Helen Clerkin, former teacher and member of the organising committee, said the event was a "fantastic community occasion" with people there there from "senior citizens to children in buggies". Pauline Cogavin was MC and speeches included those by Minister Dempsey, Cllr Carey, Fr Devine, Fr Mollin and Mr Keegan. A booklet on 140 years of education in the three schools in Ballivor was launched by John Quinn, who also said a prayer for the children of the new school. Mr Quinn presented a set of all of his books and broadcasting material to the school library, which has been dedicated to him. A scripture was read and this was followed by a blessing from the Nigerian parents of pupils in the school who were dressed in full national costume. Mr Dempsey cut the ribbon on the new school and Bishop Smith imparted a blessing. The youngest boy and girl and the oldest boy and girl from the school helped in the ceremony. As Bishop Smith walked through the school blessing the rooms, the First Communion class, dressed in their Communion clothes, played 'A Mhuire Mháthair' on tin whistle in the reflection room. The group moved on to the music room where 50 children performed three songs. While this group toured the school, the guests outside was treated to a concert including the schoolchildren and the parish children's choir. Two parents undertook all the catering with finger food served to 1,500 people. Teacher Ms Karen Gavigan who formed a céilí band with some friends entertained the crowd. Irish dancers from the school were next up and teacher, Ms Orla Lennon, who is a world champion dancer, also performed. All the community got involved in the ceili dancing for the 'Siege of Ennis" and there were also some old-time waltzes, too. Ms Clerkin said it was a "most enjoyable occasion and a true community occasion". The event was organised by a hardworking committee led by Pauline Cogavin. "It was a super community effort. It was made so easy as anyone we approached gave with huge generosity. It was a true community celebration. Some of the elderly people there remarked that they had never seen anything like it in Ballivor," added Ms Clerkin. She said that parking was facilitated at the old NEC site and this was most appreciated as it meant there was no congestion in the village. Ms Clerkin also thanked Gardai for their assistance and traffic management. Ms Clerkin described the new school as a beautiful building with fantastic education facilties. "There is a marvellous piece of art, a bog oak sculpture of a tree that is double height in the main hall. Each child was asked to give a word they associate with the school and 150 were picked which were engraved on the leaves," she said. This sculpture was completed by Helen Conneely.