History was at Deele College in Raphoe today, with the official opening of the school’s new €3.5 million extension, which has provided the local area with a state of the art educational establishment.
Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Mr Joe Joe McHugh T.D. was the guest of honour and it was the minister who officially opened the school along with CEO of the ETB, Anne McHugh and school principal Mr Joe Boyle.
The Minister took a tour of the school following the official opening, where he visited students working hard in their new science labs, drawing rooms and computer suites. He commented on the colour and vibrancy of the school, as he chatted with students who were preparing for their Junior and Leaving certificate exams.
The official ceremony was held shortly afterwards, where parents, students and teachers, both past and present came together to celebrate the occasion. Reverend Craig Wilson and Canon Dinny McGettigan gave an ecumenical blessing and the choir, under the stewardship of Miss Catriona Bonner gave a wonderful performance, with ‘Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears,’ sung by Eimear Friel particularly poignant.
Addressing the audience, school principal, Mr Joe Boyle acknowledged the work of his predecessor, Mr PJ McGowan, who began the campaign for a new school building. He also praised the work of Glebe Builders and the staff of the Donegal ETB for all their hard work in getting the job completed. He also thanked the staff and students of Deele College for all their hard work in getting the new building ready.
CEO of the ETB, Anne McHugh said that she was delighted that the work at Deele College was now completed and she has now set her sights on the next job, which she says is to get the go ahead from the department for the Buncrana campus.
Minister Joe McHugh, addressing the audience, said that it was a privilege for him to be the guest of honour on such an historic occasion.
He spoke of the reputation that Irish people have earned around the world, as hardworking, honest and educated, which he has witnessed first-hand in his capacity as Minister for the Diaspora.
He also pleaded with students to talk about their problems and that in the age of social media, too many were looking for solutions online, when the real answer lay in talking to friends, teachers and family.
He finished with a line from Beckett, which he said students would do well to remember, as they make their way in the world. “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”
