This article is from page 12 of the 2011-11-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
STUDENTS from Ennis Educate Together National School enjoyed a day to remember as they shared in the celebration of Michael D Higgins’ inauguration as the ninth President of Ireland.
Ten students from fifth and sixth class were accompanied on their trip to Dublin Castle by two teachers and a parent.
After receiving a Garda escort through the streets of Dublin, the group from Ennis Educate Together watched the inauguration ceremony unfold before meeting with the Clare reared President when he came outside to welcome guests afterwards.
“We were really honoured and privileged to attend”, said Principal Sean Ó Conf haola yesterday.
Mr Ó Conf haola said the students, who represented Ireland, Czech Republic, Morocco and the traveling community, were excited to meet Ireland’s first citizen,
He added, “They were all really excited to meet him. It was as good as meeting Justin Bieber.”
The school’s presence at one of the country’s most prestigious public occasions was sparked by an invitation from Ennis Educate Together to Mr Higgins for the former Galway TD to attend the school’s annual graduation ceremony in June.
In a letter to the school, Mr Higgins explained that he could not attend but praised the work of students and teachers.
“My wife Sabina and I have it as one of our warmest members that individually and together we served on the board of Galway School project, one of Educate Together’s first schools in Ireland. Educate Together will be a great patron in education, celebrating as it does the great values of diversity solidarity, inclusion and participation. Creativity is at the heart of everything Educate Together do. Sí an cruthhaíocht bun-cloch fealsúnachta Educate Together”.