Athlone Community College celebrates 50 years at current site
By Rebekah O'Reilly
It was a bright and uncharacteristically warm Spring afternoon on Thursday last as Athlone Community College staff and students celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school being situated at its Retreat Road location.
Taking place next to the school's memorial garden, the day saw all 1,200 students gather for a sentimental ceremony which welcomed back former Athlone Community College principals Val O'Connor and Eileen Donohoe, and former CEO Padraig Dunne.
Mayor of Athlone and chairperson of the school's Board of Management Cllr Frankie Keena, was also in attendance, as well as Cllr John Dolan. The school also welcomed back a number of former staff and teachers who have retired in recent years.
The current principal of Athlone Community College, Lisa O'Kennedy, said the celebration marked "a remarkable milestone" in the school's history.
"Today we are celebrating fifty years in this Retreat Road location, and ten years in our magnificent new building. Fifty years ago, this site became the home of a school dedicated to excellence in education, personal growth, and community spirit.
"This is a moment of great significance not only for us here today, but for all of us who have passed through these doors over the decades," she said.
A central part of the celebration saw staff and students planting a memorial tree, and a time capsule containing a 2025 prospectus, local and national newspapers, a survey taken by current students, as well as photos of the school community.
The time capsule is set to be re-opened in 25 years time, at which point the school plans to invite back the first year class of 2025.
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Athlone Community College student council representative Christopher Wijaya, Junior Mayors Shashwat Somesh and Niamh O’Reilly, with principal Lisa O’Kennedy, Mayor Frankie Keena, and Cllr John Dolan.Image 2 of 4
The school’s trad band. [L-R] Bill Grehan, Harry Cunningham, Maya-Rose Harrington, May Hennelly, Airt Lyons, Antonio Quinn Canton, Gemma Casey, and James Duffy, with teacher Hilary Cunningham.Image 3 of 4
Gearoid O’Brien, son of former Athlone Community College principal Brendan O’Brien, and Val O’Connor, former principal, pictured during the planting of a tree on Thursday to symbolise the school’s future development.Image 4 of 4
An outline of the original school at Retreat Road was ‘drawn’ by the 1,200 students of Athlone Community College, as this aerial photo shows."To mark this special occasion, we planted a tree as a symbol of growth, resilience, and endurance," Ms O'Kennedy said. "Just as this tree will take roots and flourish, so too will our school, as it continues to grow with each generation of students.
"We also buried a time capsule. Within (the capsule), we placed momentos of our time, messages and reflections of what it means to be part of this school community today. It's a reminder that when times change, the core of our school remains timeless.
"Today is not just a celebration of our past, but our reaffirmation of our commitment to the future. Together we look forward to a future filled with promise and possibility."
The ceremony was accompanied by the sound of the school's Trad Band, directed by Ms Cunningham. The beautiful tunes filled the entire yard, with the sound being amplified by the walls of the school building.
Ms O'Kennedy extended her sincere gratitude to Serena McDermott for organising the momentous occasion, as well as the staff and students for making the celebration such a special event.
"I want to commend new principal Lisa O'Kennedy, and all the staff and students. It's a huge legacy that Athlone Community College has provided over the past 50 years," said Cllr Frankie Keena.
"It's been an important foundation for education in Athlone, and it keeps going from strength to strength."