‘The best Christmas present’ at Scoil Bhride in Killeshandra
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Mia Feeney.Image 3 of 6
Saoirse and Croíagh Ryan.Image 4 of 6
LEFT: Cian Gumley, Jackson Shannon, Tristan O’Reilly Montgomery, Rían Smith, Ava Gumley, Aimee Gumley and Finn O’Reilly.Image 5 of 6
Jason Miney, Gary Fay, Jonathan Woods, Aaron Brady, Josh Goody, Thomas Partington, Oran Sheridan, Derena Conaty, Joy O’Rourke, Sara Miller, Gerry Sheridan and Attracta Donohoe.Image 6 of 6
Principal Ailish Fay outside the new sensory room with students Alannah Hands, Sophia Shannon, Maggie Gilbride, Tristan O’Reilly Montgomery, Aimee Gumley, Aoife Kelly, Kara McCormack, Jaxon Shannon, Aodhan O’Reilly, Croithe Ryan, Cian Gumley, Ava Gumley, Aoife O’Flaherty and Rose Gilbride.There was great excitement at Scoil Bhride Killeshandra on Friday (December 20), not because Santa was around the corner, but the Moo’d ice-cream bicycle.
The team at Ice Cream Treats selected the local primary school as a very worthy cause for their annual fundraiser. The school is currently fundraising to install a sensory cabin for pupils with Autism and equipment to enhance their play area with sensory toys and games.
The Ice Cream Treats crew completed the fundraiser tag-team style with Owner Gerry Sheridan first up to cycle the three-wheeled ice-cream bicycle towards Killeshandra.
There were cheers of joy as the bike crossed the finish line at the school, with students waving handmade welcoming signs. Everybody was rewarded with a tub of Mood ice cream.
“We’re only too delighted to help and support the local school here,” said Gerry, speaking after the fundraiser which at the time of going to print had smashed their €5k target. It was a total team effort from leaving Cavan to getting it back here.”
“I’m lucky to have such a great team at ice-cream treats, whatever charity we pick or whatever organisation we decide to support, everybody gets behind it.”
Meanwhile Principal Ailish Fay was equally as delighted with the fundraising efforts to establish their sensory room. They set out to raise €20, 000 and have “almost” reached their target. With three classes for children with autism, Ailish said the school needs “extra space for their sensory needs” and for “extra space to move around and play in.”
There is an extension in planning for the school which is due to be completed in a few years.
“In the meantime we need to add on the spaces that are necessary for the children’s everyday lives,” she said, adding that the sensory cabin is built with “finishing touches” yet to be added. The school is also building an additional play area and a sensory garden.
“Aside from that we have other equipment we need to purchase for the classrooms themselves for the children. Everything costs so much these days and every little bit has helped in our quest.”
She thanked everybody in the community who has helped to date, adding that she has been “overwhelmed” with the response. “We are delighted and very very grateful, it’s the best Christmas present me as a new principal could have.”