'Hard work and dedication' evident at Holy Family Primary School - Minister Foley
Clodagh McKeon
Education Minister Norma Foley said “hard work, dedication and determination” are what it took to get Holy Family Primary School to where it is today, as she performed the official opening alongside Bishop Tom Deenihan.
Minister Foley and Bishop Deenihan were joined by school principal Michael Molloy, Minister Peter Burke, Minister Robert Troy, Cllr Aoife Davitt and chairperson of the board of management, Joe O’Meara.
It was an emotional event as the entire school community came together to officially open the new building.
Minster Foley said she was “very impressed with the welcome” that she got as a guard of honour met her on arrival.
In her speech she paid tribute to the school staff, the pupils, parents, the board of management and Mr Molloy. She credited them for adapting so brilliantly throughout the pandemic and complimented them on providing a high standard of education despite a tough situation.
She mentioned how the spirit of the school is so positive and because of that was very excited to meet and speak to the children in their classrooms after the ceremony.
Joe O’Meara, Norma Foley and Mr Molloy all thanked those involved in campaigning for the school after “many challenges” in its construction over many years.
Mr Molloy said a special thanks to builders PJ McLoughlin and Sons for their hard work and said, “it was definitely worth waiting for”. ‘
“However, the most important message I want to give our pupils today is not how well our building looks. Rather, to take note of the trials and tribulations met along the way. Look upon it with a positive lens. There was nothing extraordinary about all the ups and downs, the disappointments and setbacks. These are an extrinsic part of everyone’s daily lives.
“Let today be an example that many of life’s finest blessings are worth waiting for. Boys and girls, please realise, the instant gratification that modern day life facilitates all too often, is not always what’s best. I want the resilience of all who kept chipping away at our dream over the past 23 years to remain and stick in your minds.
“Remember, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. If I had one gift I could give you, boys and girls, it would be the gift of resilience.”
He ended his speech by reading his students a poem titled, ‘Don’t Quit’.