Breda Irish and Andrew Fitzpatrick make a presentation to Miche�l Muircheartaigh
Seachtain na Gaeilge proved to be a very memorable event in Scoil Aireagail this year.
Officially starting on March 4, different events were organised through the medium of Irish throughout the week, such as bingo as gaeilge, quiz gaeilge, Aifreann Gaeilge, Ceilí, and fancy dress. The local shops embraced the week by displaying products as Gaeilge.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the visit of the legendary sports commentator Mícheál O’ Muircheartaigh. At a gathering of students, staff, parents and invited guests, Mícheál captivated all with his stories.
MC for the day was former principal Tom Hunt, who regaled all with hilarious tales from the past. A perfect combination of speakers who demonstrated how our shared past informs the present and builds the future from a sense of belonging.
Míchaél remarked on the strong sense of community and spirit he witnessed among students and staff in Scoil Aireagail. Indeed, this was the theme of his address, pride of place-a sense of belonging.
Andrew Fitzpatrick, pictured left presented Míchaél with a hurley signed by John Dalton, Paul Murphy, Colin Fennelly, Michael Fennelly – all past pupils of the school, and members of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling squad. As he read the names of the men he had commentated on many times before, he lifted the hurl in the air. Breda Irish, pictured right, presented him with a piece of glass specially made by a local glass designer.
It was a celebration of Irish culture at its best, including the history of Scoil Aireagail by students as Gaeilge, Irish traditional music, Song and dance. The day concluded with a passionate rendition of The Rose of Mooncoin and the Man from Dingle sang along. Great praise is due to Ms Murphy and Ms Kennedy who organised the entire week.
(Taken from The Kilkenny People 02/04/2013)
