The sun was splitting the rocks as Portlaoise’s largest primary school campus was officially opened today.
Holy Family NS was opened by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Most Reverend Denis Nulty. He was joined by Minister of Justice Charlie Flanagan, Portlaoise Parish priest Monsignor John Byrne, past staff, principals, deputy principals and many other distinguished guests.
Almost 1,400 pupils attend both the Holy Family Senior and Junior school, which replaced three primary schools in the centre of the town; Scoil Mhuire, Sacred Heart and St. Pauls.
The €1.25 million state-of-the-art Holy Family campus opened its doors in Spetember 2017.
Of course with two Carlow men among the dignitaries – Monsignor Byrne and Father Paddy Byrne – the speeches inevitably focused on the Leinster senior football final this Sunday, with the Holy Family pupils giving a big shout for Laois to win on the day.
The school choir were on-hand to perform great renditions of Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and ‘Hallelujah’.
After the speeches and music, the ribbon was cut by Bishop Nulty and three very lucky birthday girls – Ellen, Jessica and McKenzie – and it was revealed that it was also Bishop Nulty’s birthday today!
