A project that will stand the test of time for the Bruskey community

The red carpet and balloons at Bruskey National School on Thursday afternoon signalled something special was in the midst. As local politicians and a minister arrived to the sound of music and a sense of pride and excitement in the air, it soon became clear that the official opening of the school’s new astro pitch was taking place.

And, with the sun making a rare appearance, Minister Heather Humphreys couldn’t contain her delight.

“Thank you very, very much for the lovely welcome. I don’t normally get a red carpet and a guard of honour so thank you very much, it was lovely. You made my day special,” she told the children before adding that the visit to the school was the first of seven appearances planned by her in County Cavan that day.

St Patrick’s National School in Bruskey received €50,000 in Clár funding; €15,000 from the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District’s discretionary fund; and €28,000 from the local community’s fundraising race night to deliver the sporting facility for the area.

Minister Humphreys congratulated all those involved in delivering the project and said she was particularly impressed by the money raised by the community.

“€28,000 was a lot of money,” the Minister continued before pointing to how “team effort” was at the heart of the project’s success.

“This really was a team effort so well done to everybody. This school is an integral part of the community here in Bruskey; it’s here since 1981 and takes part in the Be Active children’s programme. And, I also know that the boys and girls at this school are very sporty. The girls camogie team won the Alliance Division 4 camogie final where Aine Brady was nominated Player of the Match and the boys hurling team also reached great heights when they won the Alliance Division 3 hurling final and Joe Carr was Player of the Match. I know that the astro turf will be of great assistance to you all when you’re out there exercising and preparing for the next match.”

Before she presented medals to the school’s winning sides, the Minister asked the pupils if they liked the hot school dinners, delivered by her Department. The resounding “yes” was deafening and indicated a deep appreciation for the programme at Bruskey NS.

School principal Collete McBreen thanked the contractors, Frank and Conor Smith of Fencing Matters. She then pointed to the sense of pride and excitement that was evident at the school and highlighted how the journey to deliver the project began many years ago when representatives from the Parents Association came to her suggesting that the school apply for a Clár grant to improve facilities.

“A committee was established and many nights were spent sharing ideas, discussing plans and writing drafts,” she added, explaining how the first application was unsuccessful but the second made it across the line.

“The success of this project is down to the fact that the school community worked in conjunction with Cavan County Council and the Department of Rural & Community Development. This project will stand the test of time for our school community and future generations of the Bruskey community.”

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Philip Brady said the new facility was something that was “badly needed” in the area.

“There is a lot of work involved in making an application for Clár funding and great credit must go to those involved in securing it,” he continued. “It is great to see the vision in this community to make this facility even better than it is.”

The pupils' verdict...

Leah, First Class

"I really like playing football on the astro turf. Football is one of my hobbies and it’s much nicer playing on this pitch than the one we played on before. I want to play football for Bruskey some day."

Fionn O’Leary, Fifth Class

"I like the astro because you can do anything you want on it and you won’t cut your knees. It’s great for football, it’s made for it. I’m not the biggest fan of hurling, I like the football. Playing on the astro turf is quite different to the pitch itself but, in terms of running on it, you have more grip. It’s great to have Minister Humphreys here today; the principal said that it’s 20 years since a minister last came to our school and it’s just great to see someone like that here."

Gearóid Goldrick, Fourth Class

"I love the astro because it’s more fun to play on and, at least if you fall on it, it’s not sore but if you fall on the pitch it actually hurts your knees.

So I think it’s a very good facility to have at the school. The astro turf is handier because it’s open to the public so we can come in and play football any time we want and that’s great because we can come in with our friends. That’s very handy. It’s great and it’s cool to have Minister Humphreys at our school today."