‘We can build for the future’ - gaelscoil principal

The way has been cleared for further development at the gaelscoil in Cavan Town as the Department of Education is set to purchase the former St Clare’s Convent property.

An agreement in principle has been reached to acquire the 2.89-acre Tullacmongan site in Cavan Town on which Gaelscoil Bhréifne stands, a decision some hope will kick-start a conversation for an Irish-language-led secondary school in the future.

For now, the future has been secured for one of the country’s fastest growing primary gaelscoileanna. It is further bolstered by news that work will soon begin on a new two-storey, four-classroom extension also. Local planners gave the green-light for the build only last year.

The Department of Education last week confirmed the deal to acquire the site from current owners Gaeltech Sustainable Living (GSL).

Principal Niamh Ní Cheallaigh described it as “marvellous news” saying that security for the future of the school was “very much required” with numbers growing year on year.

“It’s just great news for the children,” she said.

She says moving out to the site at the junction with Cock Hill has been a “catalyst” for Gaelscoil Bhréifne’s continued growth, particularly in recent years since the addition of a naíonra pre-school facility in March 2018.

“My own children are in the school, and I started as the Junior Infants teacher with my son Ruadhán who is now in fifth class. To think that he will graduate from a brand new hall next year is so exciting. It’s a dream,” says Ní Cheallaigh.

“My daughter was in Junior Infants the year following [Ruadhán] and that’s when I became principal. So there are a lot of teachers in the school who have children also attending, so there is great investment there from everyone involved. Not just as a mammy, or a teacher, but as a parent, it is brilliant news.

“We are very much a community school. People had faith in us all those years ago, blind faith maybe, but our parents have great faith in us to get us off the ground, so this is really for them.”

The incredible journey and scaling up of Gaelscoil Bhréifne is mapped by its very footprint in the county town over the years.

When Gaelscoil Bhréifne moved to its new elevated home back in 2018, it marked a near 25-year climb to try and establish a permanent co-educational all-Irish primary school in the locality.

Gaelscoil Bhréifne started out in 1995 in four prefab buildings on rented ground beside the local Scouting Den on Railway Road. It wasn’t until 2012 when they moved to more structured accommodation at the former Jackson’s Garage on Farnham Street.

They signed a 15-year lease nearly seven years ago with GSL’s Darren Sherry for their current premises.

Ms Ní Cheallaigh says the latest announcement copper-fastens the “sense that this is now our home”.

She continued: “We can continue to build for the future with confidence. Really put down firm roots in our language and our culture and in what we endeavour to do as Gaelscoil Bhréifne. We’re also a non-denominational school, which I think is a huge part of what we’re about.”

Ms Ní Cheallaigh is strong in her praise for Mr Sherry and GSL. “He has been an incredible person to work alongside. Whatever we’ve asked for over the years, anything that’s been required, he’s been nothing but a gentleman. He has genuinely gone above and beyond for the school at all times and I sincerely want to thank him for all he has done.”

She is as equally effusive in her praise for Seán Ó Láimhín, chairperson of the Board of Management for the role he has played.

Mr Ó Láimhín is principal at Gaelscoil Thulach na nÓg in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Ms Ní Cheallaigh says he has provided “phenomenal support” and been “instrumental” in driving Gaelscoil Bhréifne forward through the patron body An Foras Pátrúnachta.

“He has led the way, and he really needs the credit due to him.”

Ms Ní Cheallaigh finally also pays tribute to the past principals - Nora Ní Loinsigh as well deputy principal Gearóidín Uí h-Icín for their “grá for Irish and as educators”.

Mrs Uí h-Icín will retire later this year “on the back of the school finally being able to call a place home”.

Ms Ní Cheallaigh added: “They’ve given so much service so this is very significant for her and many others, to finally see this happen. She leaves knowing the school is a better place.”

Warm welcome

The announcement that the department has moved to secure ownership of the site on behalf of Gaelscoil Bhréifne was welcomed locally by Fianna Fáil’s Cavan-Monaghan TDs, Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth.

GSL will oversee the construction of the new four-classroom extension for which planning has already been granted. The acquisition of the site remains subject to final contract agreements and a long-stop date for the completion of the school extension.

“This school has an increasing enrolment and I compliment the Principal, Niamh Ní Cheallaigh and her colleagues along with the Board of Management on their initiative in progressing this project,” said Deputy Smith in welcoming the developments.

Deputy Smyth meanwhile added: “These works are hugely important for Gaelscoil Bhréifne and I will work with all stakeholders involved to help ensure its progression.”

Ms Ní Cheallaigh believes, with Gaelscoil Bhréifne’s future secure, the time is right for a wider conversation about the future provision of an Irish-language led meánscoil for the county.

Currently Cavan students interesting in continuing their education through their mother tongue must travel an hour back and forth to attend Coláiste Oiriall in Monaghan.

“It’s just too far,” says Ms Ní Cheallaigh.

Previously, when under the leadership of former CE John Kearney, Cavan-Monaghan ETB indicated it has tentatively explored the possibility of establishing such an institution locally.

“I think the conversation should be taking place, in fact I think it should have started years ago,” said Ní Cheallaigh.

She says there are Irish medium primary schools in both Clones and also Longford and a nearer meánscoil would be “incredibly important to facilitate the growing demand for a mbunscoil education to bring these children right through to Leaving Cert. To give that choice to parents. So that conversation should be on the table, now more than ever.”