PUPILS at Sixmilebridge National School were in cake and ginger beer mode on Friday as they celebrated the long delayed opening of their new school building.
The original school was built in 1934, but, as of the turn of the century, the population of Sixmilebridge increased rapidly, making it one of the largest towns in County Clare.
The pupil enrolment numbers soared and the school began to struggle to accommodate the increase. Several prefabs were added and the school began a campaign for a new building, but the economic factors were against them.
Despite the best efforts of the board of management and principal, the only solution offered was more prefabs. The situation was beginning to become untenable when a breakthrough was finally reached in 2014, with the department committing to a new, purpose-built school.
It was to take another five years before the dream was realised. An original design, purpose built to suit the school, with zoned areas for junior, middle, and senior classes. It also has a dedicated special needs/autism unit, a 4G pitch, and a state-of-the-art library and computer suite.
The pupils and teachers took up residence in the new school in February 2019, with a student body of 468 and a teaching staff of 59, but, with the break of the Covid-19 pandemic, official celebrations were put on hold. Until last Thursday that is, when former teachers, representatives of local organisations, local politicians, dedicated fundraisers, and sponsors all gathered to hear words of welcome from principal Gareth Heagney.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled by David Deighan, chairperson of the board of management, Angie Togher, chair of the building committee, and Fr Damien Nolan.
The school band entertained guests and the event was live-streamed into classrooms so that the whole school community could be involved in the celebrations.
