Around 1,000 people passed through the gates of Scoil Mhuire, Sandymount, on 14th June for the free Family Fete that was held to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The activities included giant outdoor games, a Grandparents’ tea-party, face painting, food and refreshments.
NewsFour spoke to the school’s principal, Mary Price, who commended the parents’ committee on all the hard work they put into the organisation of the day. “We are celebrating 40 years in this building and also the amazing generosity of the Sisters of Charity. When I came here in 1976 the school grounds did not comprise of the extra ground and fields that we now use for Sports and we have recently received the funds to build these new classrooms from the Department of Education,” she told us.
The gathering included the families of current pupils, locals, teachers and past pupils. A group of Scoil Mhuire graduates, who are currently first and second year students, told Newsfour that their favourite attraction was the chocolate fountain. They all enjoy attending the school, and a certain Miss Sword was mentioned with fondness.
Alice Doherty was on the board of management when she was at the school, and was then known by her religious name, Sister Carmel. She spoke very highly of Principal Price. “She always kept the connection with us.”
The highlight of the day for all concerned was the cutting of the cake by Sister Finian. Doherty explains how Sister Finian was here at age 61, when the school opened in 1974, and is now celebrating this anniversary at age 101. “She’s such a lovely person.”
Other attractions included bouncy castles, a nail bar, storytelling area, photo-booth cutouts and student performances.
Pictured: Banshika, Laoise and Zara from Mr. Cleary’s 5th Class enjoying the chocolate fountain provided by Heavenly Chocolate.
By Maria Shields O’Kelly
