Deputy Alan Kelly (centre) officially opens the school with Caitriona Sutton (Principal), John Fitzpatrick (Chairperson, BOM), Bishop Fintan Monahan, Conor Finnegan (MCOH Architects), Donal Corrigan (Frank Murray & Sons Construction) and pupils from the Sacred Heart Primary School.

Official opening of new Sacred Heart School in Roscrea

Published: Fri 15 Jun 2018, 9:18 AM

Last updated: Fri 15 Jun 2018, 10:36 AM

Deputy Alan Kelly officially opened the new Sacred Heart Primary School in Roscrea on Thursday of last week.

“In 2013, I visited the school as they very in dire need of help,” Deputy Kelly said at the opening. “What I saw was an amazing staff and brilliant students operating out a building that was simply not fit for purpose.

“I was delighted to announce on Christmas week in 2014 that the school was not just being extended but completely rebuilt at a cost of €4 million. In Government, we prioritised school buildings and I fought to make sure the Sacred Heart was not going to be let down again.

“Work on the new school commenced in 2016 and last Thursday was the culmination of all that work and I was thrilled to be asked to officially open the school.

“It is an incredible school now, state of the art with everything any school needs, including incredible grounds. With pre-school facilities and an ASD unit, it has everything a school needs and they have huge capacity now with the ability to take well over a hundred more students in years to come.

“The school has a great ethos. They have shown an excellent commitment to the environment with five Green Flags. Their three Blue Stars show their commitment to citizenship. They are committed to sports and exercise with their new facilities, and have won many arts, music and science awards, and their choir is amazing.

“I want to thank the Chair of the Board of Management John Fitzpatrick for all his work. I also want to wish the new principal Catriona Sutton the very best in her new school.

“Finally, I want to thank the people of Roscrea and the parents of the pupils for their support through this project. I was delighted to be able to deliver for this school Roscrea and the schoolchildren in particular, who deserve the best facilities.”

In a statement to mark the official opening and blessing of Sacred Heart Primary School, the Board of Management, staff and pupils of Sacred Heart Primary School were all thankful for the new facilities.

It read: “Over the last 176 years more than 500 sisters of the Sacred Heart alongside other devoted staff educated the young people of Roscrea. This tradition continues today in this wonderful new school building. 'For the sake of one child ....' is a quote attributed to the society's foundress St Madeleine Sophie Barat and it is just as relevant today.

“This building with its abundant facilities is providing a modern education for the benefit of our pupils.

“Thank you to all who have sent messages of support to us as we begin this next exciting chapter of Sacred Heart Primary School in Roscrea thank you. It means the world to have your assistance and support.

“There are so many people who have helped make today a reality. Without the planning, support, hard work and time that so many provided and dedicated, this new building would not have been possible.”

Those present were invited to enjoy the opening day celebrations as a small gift for all they had done.