What an honour it was for us all to be part of the ‘Proclamation Day 2016’ commemorating and remembering the events of Easter one hundred years before. This really was a once in a generation occasion for our school community; pupils, parents and teachers- where we all felt we were part of history.

This event was one of the major highlights of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and followed the ‘Flags for Schools’ initiative which we all very much enjoyed earlier in our school year.

Our ceremony began with a special reading of the 1916 Proclamation before we read our school’s own Proclamation for a new generation. Our Senior students had worked very hard in the previous weeks exploring what they felt should be included in their vision for Ireland and can be very proud of the fruits of their labour.

We then played and sang ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ before our tricolour was raised by Fr.Johnston, all to the moving sounds of Ms.Connaghan and her brother Kieran playing the pipes.

We really appreciate and thank all who helped with today’s ceremony. Míle buíochas to Fr.Johnston for his lovely words to all assembled, Ms.Connaghan and her brother Kieran who added so much to this special event, Ms.Henry for all her hard work behind the scenes and to all our Parents/Guardians who came to support us. We really appreciated your presence in such great numbers.

Finally thank you to all the boys and girls in our school. You each entered into the Centenary Programme’s events with great respect, interest and enthusiasm. This was a fitting tribute to our ancestors and those who have gone before and made Ireland the country it is today.