Alison Laredo
Straide School Celebrations 2010
By Alison Laredo
7, Jul 2010 - 07:40

Three generations of Straide families enjoyed a celebration of their national school recently.  Music, speeches, reminiscences and cultural activities all played their part in creating a memorable day in glorious sunshine on Tuesday 22 June 2010.

Hundreds attended Grandparents Day at St Peter and Paul National School, Straide.

The day also saw the official opening of the school’s new extension, as well as the end of year mass for pupils, their parents, grandparents, past-pupils and the wider community.

Cora Smyth opening the new extension to Straide School.

On the day of the opening, a number of Grandparents – many of whom were past pupils of the school – met small groups of children and discussed topics including the care of cattle, making cakes, equal pay for working women, stories of school days and knitting and other hand craft skills.

The pupils sang beautifully and played their tin whistles, joined by Thomas Doherty on accordion.

Michael Ring with Fr Steven O' Mahony, who blessed the school and, later in the day, said the end of year mass.

Grandparents.

A number of historic roll books were on display, and included the records of some of the school families.  Many Grandparents enjoyed finding names of their own parents in the books on display.

The Parents Association is working on the cleaning and re-housing of historic roll books in special archival-quality boxes. These books contain a wealth of genealogical material and records of many generations of Straide families who have attended the school. A special thanks is extended to Knock Musuem for their advice and assistance with this project.

The renowned musician Cora Smyth, a past pupil of the school, officially opened the new school extension and also performed some lively tunes.

“...and we must all pay tribute to the Principal Maura Kelly for whom this is not just a job but a vocation to which she is so dedicated.” said Fiona Smyth, chairperson of the Parents' Association,  summing up the feeling on the day.

Check out Alison Laredo's Webpage.