PICTURES: Scoil Bhríde celebrates 50 years of education in Kilkenny

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Scoil Bhríde, Goresbridge celebrated their Golden Jubilee last Friday – 50 years since the official opening of the new school in 1972.

A large crowd of pupils, teachers, former teachers and principals along with many past and present parents attended the beautiful ceremony in The Church of the Trinity, Goresbridge.

Parish Priest, Fr. James Kelly gave a warm welcome to all the retired Brigidine sisters who had travelled from Dublin, Portlaoise and Tullow for this special occasion.

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He also welcomed local politicians – Mr. Malcolm Noonan (Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform), Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor (TD), Councillor Andew McGuinness and Councillor Denis Hynes to the Jubilee celebration.

Sr. Carmel McEvoy, former principal of Scoil Bhríde, addressed the congregation after Holy Communion and recalled some of her memories as a Brigidine sister in Goresbridge.

In 1858, three Brigidine Sisters first travelled to Goresbridge from Tullow in a horse drawn ‘covered car’ to begin a long history of education in Goresbridge.

Sr. Carmel reminded the pupils that she didn’t go back that far!

Upon her arrival in 1974, she found it to be a small village with a small church but soon came to realise how warm and welcoming the small community of Goresbridge were.

Fr. James Kelly and Sr. Carmel both reflected on some of the technological advances in education in the past 50 years.

Sr. Carmel also thanked some of the retired teachers of Scoil Bhríde for their commitment to providing the best education for the children of Goresbridge.

She finished her address with a wonderful quote: “A school is a building with four walls and the future inside!”

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After the Jubilee Mass, the crowd marched up to the school where Mrs. Sadie Lawlor (former Deputy Principal) cut a birthday cake – ably assisted by Jake Murphy (10) and Abigail Connolly (7) who were also celebrating birthdays.

Minister Noonan then planted a commemorative tree in the school grounds.

Principal Nora McDonald thanked all the former teachers, Brigidine Sisters and politicians, past pupils and parents for coming to the celebrations.

She also thanked all school staff for their ongoing commitment to creating a learning environment which encourages pupils at Scoil Bhríde to reach their full potential.

Kilkenny girl (7) with a big heart now selling festive gift tags for a great cause

“Faoi Bhrat Bhríde, go raibh sibh i gcónaí”