Michael Murphy who was the special guest at Glenswilly N.S. for the raising of the Active Blue Flag pictured with children and teaching staff including Miss Mc Brearty and Miss Mc Devitt and principal Joseph Gallinagh. Photo David McDaid/Cristeph
After four years of hard work and a lot of ticket-selling, Glenswilly National School’s superb astro-turf pitched was officially opened this afternoon.
A dream for many years, it was the hard work of both parents and teachers will eventually saw this dream come through.
The official cutting of the ribbon was undertaken by none other than Michael Murphy, a former pupil at the school.
Principal Joseph Gallinagh said it was a proud day for all concerned and it displayed the pride and hard-work of the community of Glenswilly.
He even mentioned chatting to a person from Teelin in south west Donegal who recently found a ticket stub from a Glenswilly raffle in a draw.
“That’s some dedication, traveling 170 kms to sell a ticket,” joked Master Gallinagh.
He singled out the parents committee as well as a team of decimated volunteers led by local man Sean Bonner.
A huge crowd gathered at the school to hear some short speeches before a specially-written song for the occasion by none-other-than teacher Geraldine Galligan.
There was a special mention for teacher Mairead Hennessey who retires from the school this year.
The pitch was officially blessed by local parish priest Fr Sweeney before the real highlight of the day took place.
Rumour has it that the sixth class pulls had been practising for weeks to get a swipe at their parents.
And judging by the speed of Carl Kelly, Damien McGlynn, Paul Lapsley, Henry Spratt, Gary Cullen and Jacqui Glackin, they weren’t too hard to hit!
The game was refereed by Michael Murphy who complained that the parents were cheating by using a blanket defence (he is one to talk!).
He took acceptation to the presence of a Dublin jersey being worn by one of the parents and sent the player off but it’ll be slightly more difficult for him against the Dubs as the seasons grows!
The children were treated to ice-cream on what yet again was a testament to all that is good about Donegal – our community spirit.
Children and teaching staff at Glenswilly pictured as they get a look at their new football pitch before it was officially opened by Michael Murphy. Photo Brian McDaid/Cristeph
Students celebrating on the new pitch at Glenswilly National School.
Michael Murphy cuts the tape at the opening of the new pitch with Michael Quinn Chairperson of the Parents Committee pictured with student and principal Joseph Gallanagh. David Mc Daid
Give me that.. Special guest Michael Murphy shares yarn with Charlie O’Kane at the raising of the Active Blue Flag at the school at Glenswilly National School.Photo David Mc Daid/Cristeph
