In Pictures: Sod turned at Gaelscoil - a great day that was ‘too long’ coming

There was an overriding sense of relief as Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí formally marked the turning of the sod on the new school building.

The story of the Donegal Town school has been well documented in recent months. Founded 24 years ago, classes have been held in prefabs ever since, and they are in a state of deterioration. The new build had been due to start in the first quarter of this year, and a contractor had been appointed. 

But as quarter one slipped into quarter two without the letter of commencement arriving, there was a shock announcement that funding had been withheld. A subsequent campaign led to a reversal of the decision.

Friday’s gathering for the turning of the sod was ultimately a celebration. But as Chairperson of the Board of Management Cathal Mac Suibhne said, it should never have taken so long.

He said: “It has been seven years since they announced that we were on the building programme. We have been waiting too long for this.”

Cathal was clearly full of pride for the school staff and pupils for their commitment to the vision of a permanent Gaelscoil in Donegal Town.

“They have achieved so much considering the facilities,” he said. “For example, they have amazing drama but they have to practise outside.

“When you consider what we have achieved without the building, I am looking forward to seeing what can be achieved with the new facilities.”

This was echoed by parents Mary Sheeran and Pat Murphy, who said: “It is a small school that punches well above its weight.”

Among the extra curricular activities in which the children have participated in recent times are: fleadhs and feis - poetry, dance and music, Young Engineers, drama, Kevin O’Donnell School of Music trad group, Gaeltacht visits, Choctaw walk and public performances of dance and music in Donegal Castle.

“Without the building, we have accomplished that,” said Mary. “We are looking forward to what we can accomplish with it.”

Cathal recalled how the school started with a meeting called by Paul McHugh 25 years ago.

“There was no Facebook back then,” he said. “Paul’s got help to print up posters on the computer and he went around the town and put them up. 

“The meeting took place in the St John Bosco Centre. What arose from that was the beginning of the Gaelscoil.”

Cathal said that another significant person in the school’s evolution was Cathal Ó Rathalaigh.

“He was an astute businessman, an accountant by trade” said Cathal, who also acknowledged the support of Sean Ó Longáin from Donegal VEC for accommodating the prefabs at the old Vocational School.

Cathal Ó Rathalaigh was instrumental in the purchase of the current site at Brookfield, with the support of Paddy Brogan. And so began the long and arduous process of campaigning for a permanent building. 

“The economic downturn impacted our chances of further development for a time,” said Cathal. 

“In 2016, Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí was added to the building programme. We never thought we would remain on it for seven years!” 

As Friday’s ceremony continued with a barbecue and entertainment from some of the school's young musicians, it was clear to see how the resilience of this school community has ensured its continuance, despite all the challenges.

Staff, management, parents and pupils are grateful to everyone who supported them on their journey so far.

They are looking forward now to a new phase of growth that the permanent building will attract. 

Mayor of Donegal Town Pauric Kennedy said: “This is a great day for the community here. 

“It was unfair that the kids had to be in those working conditions for so long. 

“I want to congratulate the Gaelscoil community for their commitment to keep pushing and striving for what their kids deserved.”

Building work is now underway on the site at Brookfield, Donegal Town.