New bags, new pencil cases, new books, new lunch boxes and a whole new life.
The first day at school is a big day in any young person’s life – and it’s a day that always attracts the media’s interest.
In 2005 photographer Alf Harvey spent a day going around the schools of Portlaoise, snapping some quality photos of the first day at school.
And as usual he got a few classics, some even more so now as we look back 13 years.
In Maryborough NS, among those he got photos of were twins Elva and Luke Kerr, both of whom have made LaoisToday headlines this year alone – Elva for her hockey exploits with Kilkenny College where she’s now heading into Leaving Cert and Luke who has played senior cup rugby and is currently on the Ballyfin senior football team.
In Sacred Heart, which is now part of the Holy Family schools on the Stradbally Road but was then in the centre of town, young Cormac Rigney was pictured being collected by his Dad Niall, the former Laois hurler who would later go on to manage Laois. Cormac is now playing with the Portlaoise seniors.
This week around the county plenty of children are starting their journey through education – just as those photographed here did 13 years ago.
Those kids of 2005 are now on the home straight of the second level education – some are possibly even finished.
The days are long and the years are short, as they say.
These photos will put a smile on your face.
SEE ALSO – Dunamase College students return for new school year as numbers double
