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Thomond Primary School new extension marks progression of school in three short years

TD Maurice Quinlivan, KJ Architect Jane Harris, Metropolitan District Mayor of Limerick City Sean Lynch, Sinead Toomey, Principal of Thomond Primary School, Chairperson Canon Donal MacMamara, and KJ Architect Kevin Jackson at the official opening of the Thomond Primary School new extension in Ballynanty, Co.Limerick, Friday, June 15th, 2018. Picture: Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick.

 

Thomond Primary School new extension officially opened marks progression of school in three short years

by ilovelimerick correspondent Chloe O’Keeffe


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Yesterday, Friday, June 15 marked the official opening of the Thomond Primary School new extension, Cairdeas, “We are here today to celebrate the opening of our new building which is to be named Cairdeas,” spoke co-host, 6th class student, Amy Dawson.

Thomond Primary School is an amalgamation of St. Munchin’s Boys and Girls schools, and St. Lelia’s Infant School. The merged school reopened in September 2015 and has since come from strength to strength in progression.

“This is a very special day for us,” remarked Principal of TPS, Sinead Twomey on the opening of the Thomond Primary School new extension, “At times we doubted that this amazing facility would ever become a reality, and yet here we are; in the building almost 4 months at this stage, and so well integrated that it feels like it’s always been here!”

The wing in the Thomond Primary School new extension has been named ‘Cairdeas’ which translates from Irish to ‘Friendship.’

“Pupils and staff chose CAIRDEAS as it represents the friendships formed when three schools joined together and the friendships that will grow over the coming years throughout the…campus,” explained co-host Richard Keane.

Following the revelation of the name of the new wing, the audience were treated to a poem by the 4th class students, composed especially for the occasion, titled ‘Cairdeas’. The burial of a time capsule took place to commemorate the opening of the long-awaited and wonderful new extension.

Thomond Primary School new extension

Principal Sinead Toomey, Student Alannah Faulkner and Chairperson Canon Donal MacNamara cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the new school extension of Thomond Primary School, Ballynanty, Friday, June 15th, 2018. Picture: Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick.

The ribbon was jointly cut by Principal, Sinead Toomey, Chairperson Canon Donal MacNamara, and Junior Infant student Alannah Faulkner.

The occasion was a joint celebration, as the school’s first flag- the Green flag was also raised on the day, backed by the school choir, who were led by teacher Kate Hurley, and accompanist Aidan Boland.

“On May 3 last [members] from our Green Schools Committee went to Cork, and proudly received Thomond Primary School’s very first green flag, for our efforts to reduce litter and waste…the flag will be raised serenaded by our marvelous choir… [our choir] have gone from strength to strength over the last 3 years. This year, they won a special adjudicators’ award for Best Overall Performance at the Limerick City Choral Festival, a title they also claimed last year,” explained the hosts of the afternoon, Amy, and Richard.

Speaking to the audience, on the afternoon Principal Sinead Toomey acknowledged the joint effort by everyone who was involved in some capacity, “I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the key role that our former principal Ren O’Shea played in the process. With the support of Maurice Quinlivan TD, the extra land [needed] was secured from Limerick City and County Council. Jane Harris, Kevin Jackson and the team at KJ Architects had quite the task of designing an addition… I think you will agree they did an outstanding job,” Sinead also went on to extend many thanks to her colleagues at Thomond Primary School, “It was less than ideal, but our teachers remained positive and enthusiastic throughout and continued to provide high-quality educational experiences despite these challenges.”

Also in attendance at this memorable occasion for Thomond Primary School were Area Representative, Sharon Benson and Metropolitan District Mayor of Limerick City Sean Lynch who said he was absolutely “thrilled and honoured” to have gotten an invitation the opening of the Thomond Primary School new extension, “What a fabulous school, and what a fabulous bunch of kids. The teachers today have a huge role to play, more so now than ever, because these kids need to be guided in the right direction, and kids have such huge and greater opportunities now more than before. Raising the green flag in itself is a sign that this school is doing everything that’s right environmentally, and that’s important- Tús leath na hoibre.”

 

For more info on the KJ Architects go here.

For more stories on the Thomond Primary School go here. 

 

Pictures by Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.