Opening of new Gaelscoil building in Birr
Gaelscoil na Laochra in Birr marked 10 years of providing multi-denominational education on Friday last with the official opening of a new state-of-the-art school building at Tullamore Road, Townspark.
Established by the Department of Education in September 2015, Gaelscoil na Laochra caters for pupils from junior infants to sixth class, numbers continuing to grow with each academic year.
GAA President Jarlath Burns and school patron Caoimhín Ó hEadhra from An Foras Patrúnachta, presided over the formal opening and the occasion was also attended by former pupils and teachers, local representatives and friends of Gaeilscoil na Laochra.
Having been located for a number of years at Sandymount Haven in Birr, the school moved to its current location in January 2024 where it provides modern mainstream classrooms, new ASD classroom, sensory room, sports field, basketball court and substantial yard for attendees, the school also providing a free hot meal service to all pupils.
In his address, the GAA President said he "understood the challenges" and "wonderful opportunities" about educating through "our national language".
"When you think of the word 'laochra', which means 'heroes', I can tell you there are lots of heroes here in this school today. Deciding to start a primary school is not an easy task. I can assure you, as someone who has made this journey myself, being involved in establishing a primary school and creating something out of nothing, is a true vision of glory. You must be so proud, and I congratulate you all. This is not an easy task, I can tell you," Mr Burns said.
The GAA President also acknowledged the "culture and ethos" the children were embracing while attending Gaeilscoil na Laochra.
“I would like to acknowledge the commitment of the teachers in the school. You are working to instill something special in these children,” he said.
Chairperson of the Board of Management John Carroll thanked the parents and children who supported Gaeilscoil na Laochra since its foundation stating that the teachers and the staff had been "invaluable" since the school first opened.
Mr Carroll also recognised the support received from fellow national schools in the locality, acknowledging the input of the Department of Education and the project design team in bringing the school building to fruition on a green field site.
Gaeilscoil na Laochra principal Niamh Uí Chléirigh reflected on the school’s growth over the last decade and the vision of the founding school committee.
“There was very much a sense that everyone in the community wanted a different educational offering in the town. There was a collective agreement that developing a multi-denominational school would be a great addition to the town and community," the principal said.
The school continues to explore many ways to develop the pupils' creative and academic skills as well as build the school community. Green Schools is a huge part of the work the school does to contribute to the care of the environment.
The school has two Green Flags for waste and energy and is currently working towards its third flag as part of this environmental initiative.
Since 2018, the Gaelscoil has participated in the ESB Bleaist Eolaíochta/Science Blast while earning Creative Schools status in 2022 and has worked along with Creative Ireland, Laureate na nÓg and various artists to develop the artistic abilities of its pupils.
Offaly County Council has also supported the school by providing VEX robotic kits in 2021 and the school, since then, has taken part in the regional competitions while developing the pupils’ skills in coding and robotics.