St Ciaran's NS in Baylin celebrates its 75th anniversary
St Ciaran's National School in Baylin recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Having moved from the original national school in Lower Warren, the new two-room school on the present grounds in Baylin was opened in 1949.
Multiple extensions have been added to the school over the years, but the main school building still lies at the heart of it.
St Ciaran's has grown from a two-teacher, 73-pupil, school to today's staff of 16 and enrolment of 223.
The school says this growth is a testament to the strong traditions and values on which the school was founded in 1949, and are still prominent and have been built upon by the staff, pupils and community to this day.
The celebrations began with a mass in Mount Temple Church, concelebrated by Monsignor Bernard Noonan and Fr Reji Kurian.
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Students of St Ciaran’s NS at the anniversary celebration.Image 2 of 5
A student from St Ciaran’s NS singing at the 75th anniversary celebration.Image 3 of 5
Three generations of past and present pupils of St Ciaran’s NS, Méabh Noone, Mary Noone and Mary Noone.Image 4 of 5
Three generations of past and present pupils of St Ciaran’s NS, Helen Buckley, Ivan Buckley and Hollie Buckley, at the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the school.Image 5 of 5
Principal and former principal of St Ciaran’s NS Pat Canty and Niall Brennan at the 75th Anniversary celebration of the school. Principal and Former Principal of St.Ciarans NS Pat Canty and Niall Brennan at the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the school.The ceremony began with an opening procession of a child from each class from St Ciaran’s, and was closely followed by a beautiful procession of symbols representing the school.
Magnificent music and song was provided by 4th, 5th and 6th class children, which accompanied the readings, prayers and reflections read by the pupils.
The congregation included many past pupils and staff, and of particular note was the presence of a pupil enrolled in the school in 1949, Mrs. Mary Noone.
Back in the school, many fond memories and stories were shared, with attendees searching old roll books and photos for their names and faces, as well as those of friends and relatives.
The airing of a documentary on the school, where past pupils of all generations were interviewed, told the story of the influence and inspiration that students have experienced in the school since 1949.
The Parents Association provided a fabulous array of food and drinks for all, with children enjoying a well-deserved Supermac's.
Current principal Pat Canty, said: “In the past 75 years the school has changed so much, but we still strive to reach the standards that were set all those years ago. We remember all past students, teachers and staff who have made the school what it is today."
"We are in the privileged position to nurture minds, shape futures and to encourage children in the direction of their dreams. We look forward to many more years of success in St Ciaran’s National School”.