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A beautiful summer’s morning provided the perfect backdrop to Scoil Eoin Naofa’s, Green Flag celebrations recently. After years of hard and devoted work, the flag now fly’s proudly over the school’s grounds serving as a reminder to us all, of what can be achieved, if the right commitment and determination is in place.
Scoil Eoin Naofa, Roscrea celebrate their Green Flag recently. Pictured is the Green Flag Committee with Dick Conroy, Louis Cooley (Principal), and Mayor Of North Tipperary Mr Denis Ryan at his first official engagement since taking office.
Fr Tom Corbett, Chairman of the School’s Board of Management did an excellent job as M.C for the morning. His first duty was to welcome the pupils to join the guests, who were all gathered patiently in the lovely surrounds of the immaculately kept, school’s playground. While waiting for the celebrations to begin those in attendance were treated to some fantastic entertainment from the pupils, who had prepared and practiced their music all week in preparation for the big day.
Fr Corbett said it was a very proud day for the school and he complimented all those involved in the Green Flag environmental program, including teachers, pupils, parents and well wishers. Apart from the obvious environmental advantages, Fr Corbett acknowledged that the Green Flag program was very important with regards fostering a culture of citizenship in the community. Fr Corbett said that not only did the Green Flag program develop responsibility, appreciation, and decision making techniques, the program also helped transfer knowledge from the classroom into the wider community and afforded the pupils the opportunity to work with magnificent community organisations such as Roscrea Tidy Towns.
L/R Maire Hoctor TD, Mr Louis Cooley, Noel Coonan TD,
Fr Tom Corbett and Cllr Denis Ryan Mayor Of North Tipperary Fly The Green Flag
Maura Hoctor TD said it was a privilege to be in attendance on such a prestigious day in the school’s history. Mrs Hoctor said that Irish schools outperformed all other EU countries when it came to fostering a spirit of environmental awareness through the Green schools Program. Mrs Hoctor complimented all those involved and wished the school every success for the future.
Aine McCarthy Environmental Officer with North Tipperary County Council could not attend the Green Flag launch but in a letter to the school she said she was very proud of their achievement and very proud that all the Schools in Roscrea now had at least one green flag. Fr Tom Corbett then acknowledged the work of Aine McCarthy and thanked her most sincerely on behalf of all those involved with the school for her encouragement and help.
Noel Coonan TD entertained all those present with some environmental stories of his own, before getting into the serious business of congratulating all the young people involved in the school, for their commitment to the green school project. He then congratulated all the teachers and parents for their efforts and reminded all those present about how difficult it was to achieve Green Flag status.
Cllr Denis Ryan in his first official engagement since his election as Mayor of North Tipperary, said he was delighted to be in attendance as Mayor, but even more delighted in his capacity as Chairman of Roscrea Tidy Towns to be in attendance for a project that the local Tidy Towns committee have supported for many years now. Cllr Ryan said that eighty schools had applied for Green Flag status in North Tipperary and of that number approximately 50% have been successful. Cllr Ryan praised the work of North Tipperary County Council and the work of Aine McCarthy and their promotion of the green schools initiative. Cllr Ryan also acknowledged the work of the local Tidy Towns Committee in Roscrea which he described as a small group of volunteers that do tremendous work to help keep our town clean and welcoming.
Fr Tom Corbett, Past Principal Tony Garahy, Louis Cooley (Principal)
& Dick Conroy on a special day of celebration to mark the awarding of the Green Flag
and Mr Cooley's retirement
After the actual blessing of the flag by Fr Tom Corbett and Rev Lesley Robinson, School Principal Mr Louis Cooley was asked to do the honour of hoisting the Green Flag for the first time. As the flag was held aloft all those in attendance gave a rapturous applause to show their appreciation for what was a great school achievement.
The Scoil Eoin Naofa Parents association make a special presentation to Louis Cooley who will retire as Principal from the school in the near future
The second of the day’s big celebrations then took place. Unknown to the Principal a surprise celebration to mark his retirement had also been organised. Fr Tom Corbett reflected on Louis Cooley’s wonderful career and his tremendous contribution to the school over the years in his capacity as both teacher and principal. A number of presentations then took place. Brian King made a presentation on behalf of the Board of Management and this was followed by presentations from the Parents Association and most importantly presentations from the Children themselves including Connie Dooley and Johnny Delaney.
Brian King (Board Of Management) Scoil Eoin Naofa makes a special presentation to Mr Cooley as a gesture of appreciation for the tremendous work Louis has put into the school over the years.
Louis Cooley said the greatest present of all was the fact that so many people had come to the school to share in the Green Flag celebrations. He thanked everyone for their kindness and he had a special mention for Mr Tony Garahy former principal of the school and to Brendan Carmody former teacher of the school who gave so much of his time to help foster environmental awareness in the minds of all the students that passed through the school over the years. Mr Cooley also had a special word for past students of the school and he welcomed Cloodagh Shanahan especially and thanked her for helping start the Green Flag program. Before concluding, Mr Cooley thanked John Joe, the school caretaker and in conclusion he thanked all those in attendance once again for their support over the years.
Fr Tom Corbett brought the curtain down on the official part of the day by thanking the school’s “Board Of Management” and the school’s “Parents Association” for organising what had proved to be a most memorable few hours at Scoil Eoin Naofa.
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