Chalk Talk: Isaac's milestone first day of school St Ultan’s

There are some milestones in life that parents dream of from the moment their child is born - the first steps, the first words, the first day at school. For the McDonagh family, walking through the gates of St Ultan’s Special School this September with their son Isaac was not just a rite of passage, but a day they once feared they might never see.

Isaac, described by his parents Marisa and Anthony as a “little fighter,” has endured more in his early years than many face in a lifetime. His journey has included countless days and nights in hospital wards and intensive care units, as well as multiple major surgeries on his heart and liver - including a twelve-hour operation in Leeds that required a ten week stay away from home. ‘Isaac’s procedure to have his pacemaker moved on the day after his second birthday was his 16th visit to theatre,” mam Marisa recalls.

After long months of uncertainty and setbacks, seeing Isaac proudly putting on his school uniform and stepping into the classroom was nothing short of miraculous.

“We’re so proud of this little man going to school for the first time,” his dad Anthony McDonagh, who works at St. Oliver Plunkett NS, said. “After all the surgeries and hundreds of days in hospital and ICU he had to endure to get here, today feels extra special. We’re also remembering the poor children and families we met along the way who sadly didn’t get to school.”

The family expressed deep gratitude to those who have supported them throughout Isaac’s journey - friends, relatives, neighbours, and the many people who kept them in their thoughts and prayers. They attribute the strength they found to their faith and also paid heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff in The Rotunda Hospital, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, and Leeds General Infirmary, who cared for Isaac during his toughest battles.

Now, as Isaac settles into school life at St Ultan’s, Flowerhill, Navan, there is hope that this new chapter will bring him every opportunity to simply enjoy being a child. The dedicated staff at St. Ultan’s National School, who provide support and an inspiring learning environment for children with additional needs, Isaac is set to begin this exciting new journey

Please send any school related stories you think should make it into our Chalk Talk pages - Email Aishling at Schools@meathchronicle.ie