New beginnings in Kildalkey

With members of a samba band leading the way - beating their drums accompanied by the flying of multi-coloured flags - the children of Kildalkey NS and their teachers embarked on a journey with a difference last Friday morning. 

They made their way from the old school in the village, out the Athboy Road to the new school. Walking with them every step of the way was the new Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan. It was a significant moment in the history of the local community. This was a march from one era to another; from the past into the future. 
For some weeks now up to 234 students have been attending the ultra-modern, 12-classroom, four million euro Kildalkey National School; last Friday morning, amid much fanfare, the school was officially opened and blessed by the Bishop.
He, in turn, was accompanied by a bevy of clergymen including local priest Fr Mark Mohan, Fr Oliver Devine,  Fr Amer Yakwob and Fr Frank Geoghegan. Unable to attend was Fr Colm Murtagh the former parish priest of Kildalkey who did so much to turn the school from a draughtsman's drawing to the sparkling new building that is now there for all to see. Also there was another celebrity - youngster Ethan Toner. He wrote to the Pope some time ago - and got a reply. 
The lovely Autumn weather added to the festive feel and waiting for the walkers at the gates of the new school was the Minster for Education and Skills Richard Bruton himself; his presence, an indication of just how significant the occasion was. Among his entourage was the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Damien English and local politicians including historian Noel French and Joe Fox who grew up in the Kildalkey area.  
As part of the morning's busy, well-planned schedule was a poignant ceremony that unfolded at the front door of the old school. It involved Paddy Corrigan, who back in the early 1930s had attended classes in what was locally known as the 'Almshouse.' 
Paddy turned the key of the old school for the last time accompanied by the current principal Christopher Fox. Then they too began the journey down to the sparkling, new school. 

At the presentation of flowers to Jane Fox and Chris Fox were deputy principal Aoife Lynch along with Levin and Leah. 

To mark the move from the old to the new a book - 'Kildalkey National School Through the Years' - was published recently. It's a splendid publication filled with the memories of a host of former pupils. 
Among those who contributed was James Hesnan. He is one of a family of 12 from Clonmore, all of whom attended Kildalkey NS. An accomplished carpenter James is also a poet of note and he put his memories in verse in 'Kildalkey National School 1961.'   
“I was a little lad/Of about five little years/When I was carried off to school,/ On a bike with no gears/To enter a new world/ Of blackboards and maps/Hapes of quiet girls/And bould little chaps.” 
Paddy Corrigan recalled how back in the 'Almshouse' school “We used to have two buckets of water to sprinkle the floor to keep the dust down after the children had left the class.” Another world indeed.  
There was Alice Maguire -Lynch, who started in the Kildalkey NS school in 1942 and has many happy memories of the place. She recalled walking a mile-and-a-half to school from her home in Ballybrittas with her two brothers.  
The memories of the late, great local historian Frank Kelly are also included in the book. He evoked in his piece those days when national schools were ruled by stern headmasters. 
“The most important item of all was the cane; long and yellow about eighteen inches long with a round handle. Just before he (the teacher) would call the roll he would always make sure to test the strength of this cane on the palm of his hand to put a bit of fear in you,” wrote Frank.
“He had a special way for slapping you. He would stand sideways to you, hold your wrist and you didn't know how many slaps you were going to get. It all depended on the humor he was in.” 
Thankfully those days are gone. Now, instead of canes there's computers; instead of a dust-filled, dimly-lit Almshouse, masquerading as a school, there's sensory rooms and spacious classrooms.   
Last Friday's official opening was the culmination of a project that started years ago when pleas were sent to the Department of Education that a new school was needed. When the old school (which originally opened in 1937) proved unable to accommodate all, an extension was built, pre-fabs added. When they were filled with eager young minds, the local hall was pressed into use. The letters, the pleas continued. Eventually the word came from on high; the money would be made available for a new school. Hallaluia.

At the official closing of the old school in Kildalkey were back (from left) Fr Amir Yakwob, Fr Oliver Devine, Paddy Corrigan, Bishop Deenihan, Fr Mark Mohan, Principal Chris Fox. 

“This is a wonderful day for the parish and the school, we're just so happy we finally have it after all the years of waiting, of fund-raising, of phone-calls,” said the school's very popular secretary Angela Smyth.  
For so many others Friday was a day of redemption; a day of unconfined delight. For the teachers, the many members of the school's Board of Management who kept banging the drum when it seemed no-one in Dublin was listening; people like Jacinta McBride who has served on the Board for 20 years.
Part of the 'opening' ceremony at the new school included, as might be expected, speeches. Minister Bruton spoke about how this government has invested heavily on building schools in Meath. He sprinkled in some humour too saying the decision to put “€4 million” in Kildlakey NS was part of a “secret strategy” to educate and develop “a new crop of footballers!”
He added he was delighted to have his name on a plaque marking the opening of a new school. “You just look at the fantastic facility, it's a sign of the investment we are putting into schools. It's great to be back in the Royal county again, particularly in Kildalkey, the people here have such a committed community.”
Bishop Deenihan, spoke about how the building of a new school speaks of a community that's strong, united and determined. “No school can thrive in isolation” he said while also saying that “we want an inclusive school.” 
There were others who contributed. Sixth class student Ellen Johnston delivered a perfectly-pitched speech: “I know I, and all the children, will never forget this day,” she added to warm applause. Deputy principal Aoife Lynch and teacher Nodlag O'Neill-Forde made sure all the introductions were covered while the teaching staff could not be more helpful. The chairman of the Board of Management Colin Finnegan described the opening as “a once in a lifetime event in parish and community.” He thanked all those who contributed to making the school a reality. 
As part of the morning's schedule there was an exhibition of Irish dancing provided by Chloe Corrigan, Chanel Corrigan and Jenna Uyanik. Here too there was a neat piece of symmetry: Chloe and Chanel are the grand-daughters of Paddy who attended school in Kildalkey when classes were held in the old Almshouse.

At the presentation of 'Kildalkey Through the Years' to Minister Bruton and Bishop Deenihan were teacher Anita Halligan along with Patrick and Poppy. 

There were so many others who were there for the day. Ruth Dowling provided, the classy, imaginative artwork. Mary Conlon from the Ballivor area never went to Kildalkey NS but wanted to be present because she “loved Kildalkey and it's community spirit.” 
It's not clear yet what will be done with the old school. There's talk the site will be sold and used as a retirement home. There's a fear the place, now empty, will be vandalised and as one local noted: “There's signs of that already.” 
Friday was a special day for Kildalkey: a day when the village and its people embarked on a journey; a journey back to the future.