BALLINACREE SCHOOL PROJECT REACHES CONCLUSION WITH BISHOP'S BLESSING

The Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, blessed the new resource room and adjoining newly resurfaced car park at St Fiach's National School in Ballinacree, Oldcastle, on Thursday 1st October 2009.

A large crowd watched in the sunshine as principal Patricia McCormack welcomed Bishop Smith to the school, along with Fr Oliver Devine, PP, Ballinacree; Fr Oliver Skelly PP, Coole, representatives of Ballinacree Community Association, parents, friends and parishioners.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing about our new resource room which was grant-aided. The entire community truly appreciate this resource," said Ms McCormack. She also thanked Ballinacree Community Association for resurfacing the car park which has improved safety.

Bishop Smith spoke about the great traditions of the area with the first school opening its doors in the early 1800s with a roll of 77 pupils. Today St Fiach's also shows a roll of 77 youngsters.

"Our hearts are trying to reach out and trying to respond to the needs of the young. Schools are the heart of the community and are an invaluable part of a child's upbringing so that they can grow, mature and develop all their gifts. The car park is a great addition to the school and I would like to thank you for your support," he said.

"Things don't happen, they are made to happen," said Kit Lee, chairman of Ballinacree Community Association, which was formed some years ago to implement whatever improvements that were possible within the area. This included its recent €52,000 project of resurfacing the car park which now boasts 50 car park spaces including three disabled spaces and a school bus space.
In order to complete this project, the association received a Community Development Grant of over €37,000 from Meath Partnership and will defray the outstanding costs by introducing a parish project fundraising campaign.
"Our community may be small, but it is a very supportive one. My wish today is that our school and car park will get plenty of use in the coming years and that everyone will go safely," added Kit Lee.