News
Extension to Aughadreena National School
Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has congratulated Aughadreena National School, Lavey, on its new extension which was officially opened this week by Bishop Leo O’Reilly.
The Minister and Cavan/Monaghan T.D. was due to attend the ceremony which was held on Friday 3 October, but was detained in Dublin on urgent Government business.
“I am disappointed that I was unable to be at what was a real milestone for Aughadreena National School and the community of Lavey. I am pleased that I have been in a position to support the school in its efforts to improve its facilities and although I wasn’t there in person, I am very conscious of how significant a day it was. There is no doubt that the school needed more space to serve the needs of its growing community. It is wonderful therefore to see these excellent educational facilities now being provided for the young people of the locality. I am confident that the combination of dedicated teaching and a pleasant physical environment will give the children every opportunity to develop academically and socially”, Minister Smith said.
As well as highlighting that the extension had received over €450,000 in capital funding from the Department of Education and Science and is one of four primary schools in County Cavan to have received funding under the CLAR Programme to improve outdoor play facilities, the Minister recognised the substantial fundraising effort undertaken by the local community to complete the project.
Minister Smith also paid a special tribute to Mr. Aidan McCabe who retired as principal of the school in 2006 after 37 years of service and wished his successor, Ms Fran Reilly, her colleagues and all her pupils every happiness and success in their new school.
He also paid a warm tribute to Fr Oliver Kelly who has recently moved to the parish of Manorhamilton, the previous and current Board of Management and the Parents Association, who all played a key role in bringing this building project to fruition.
