An air of celebration and reflection was most prevalent on Friday afternoon last, as Colaiste Chiaráin co-ed secondary school was officially opened.
Commencing with a concelebration of mass at 11am for staff and the student body, school patron, Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran and Bishop of Clonfert and Galway, Michael Duignan were accompanied during the service by local priests, Fr Ray Milton, Fr John Duignan and Fr Innocent.
Following the conclusion of mass, guests, which included former staff members from St Aloysius College and St Joseph's College, Summerhill, were afforded a guided tour of the new building prior to light refreshments being served.
Bishop Doran blessed the new school building prior to the formality of speeches, the Bishop of Elphin acknowledging the cohesive work of all those involved to enable the amalgamation of both St Aloysius College and St Joseph's College, Summerhill, and the formation of Colaiste Chiaráin.
Head prefects Aaron Mullin and Courtney Timon welcomed guests and spoke about their experiences of the new school.
These words were echoed by Seamus O'Brien, chairperson of the board of management, while local Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, acknowledged the strives made with the construction and realisation of the new school building during Covid-19.
Drawing the speeches to a conclusion, school principal, Mr Brendan Waldron, commended all those involved who contributed to a reflective and memorable occasion in the short history of Colaiste Chiaráin and expressed his positive thoughts for the future to come.
A special book was made available to all guests present which documented the amalgamation process which commenced approximately five years ago.
