New book tells epic story of Laois Offaly school's journey

Saturday, September 27, will be a momentous day for Coláiste Íosagáin and all its students, past students and teachers when they officially celebrate the Portarlington school's silver jubilee.

Proceedings will start with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty in St Michael’s Parish Church, Portarlington, at 3 pm, followed by the opening of the time capsule from 2000 and the launch of the Jubilee Yearbook in the school.

The yearbook is described as a “crafted achievement, comprehensive, technically excellent and yet retaining a warmth for its subjects all through”.

The scale of this undertaking was daunting as it involved collecting and distilling the essence of a very vibrant and ever-increasing school community over such a time span.

But then this is no ordinary book – it’s an impressive 440-page tome packed with colourful memories that chart so many realms of life in the Laois Offaly school over a quarter century.

Avoiding for the most part the formality, this impressive compendium introduces us up close and personal to the characters, the achievements, the humour and the craic that has led Coláiste Íosagáin to the resounding success that it has evolved into.
Despite the huge entity the school has now become, the publishing team believe this celebratory book still feels more like a family photo album with its two thousand plus images served up with what they call “ an attractive seasoning of wit and sparkle”.

Former teacher Peter Lowry is the book's editor. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Celebrations in full swing following the Junior Boys winning the Leinster Final, 2009.

“From hakas to haikus, we present you with an eclectic mix of memories from sport, fashion, academia, art, music, literature, projects, personalities and the pure theatrical.

“We reminisce, we celebrate, we grieve, we honour, we weave the multi-coloured tapestry of school life since the Amalgamation of 2000. You will gather that we are comfortable enough in each other’s company to cajole and tease with an easy-going camaraderie – look at it as the mortar that cements us together!

“And, if we do brag a little betimes, sure maybe, like l’Oréal, it’s because we’re worth it. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

L/r: Niamh Fitzpatrick, Sabrina Mooney, Michelle McCarthy, Hannah Williams, Emma Knight at the 2010 Debs.

“Now an undertaking of this scale just doesn’t happen without the support of a myriad of unseen volunteers in the background, coming from the many different realms of school life and spanning several time frames.

“I must say I was pleasantly reassured by the innate warmth and good will afforded to me by the staff (most of whom I wouldn’t even know at this stage) as my seemingly endless list of enquiries bombarded them,” he said.

He credited his collaborator, Brigid Gilligan, the many photographers, amateur and professional, whose work was crucial to the process, typist Eileen Ryan and the professionalism and accommodating nature of Mochua Print and Design. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

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Principal Justin Brown hailed the book as a bright, positive publication and a lovely way mark the Jubilee.

“Those who planted the seed of amalgamation all those years ago would/should be proud of the fact that we have blossomed into a thriving school of over 1100 pupils serving Portarlington and its environs.

“A jubilee is a time for reflection and thanksgiving. This publication helps us do both. I would like to acknowledge Peter for facilitating this and also my colleague Brigid for all the work she put in.

“I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to this Jubilee Book. It is fitting that the front and back covers were designed by students – that is what we are about as a school, our students –they are the beginning and end of all we do. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

From 2007, festive fun as the frolicsome Fifth Years festoon the Christmas Tree.

“But this celebration is not just about looking back. It is about standing firmly in the present and looking ahead with hope. Hope – that powerful force that drives us to keep striving, keep believing and keep growing,” said Mr Brown.

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The Jubilee Yearbook is available from the school, the Parish Office and most local shops for €25.

All of the local community in and around Portarlington is invited to what should be an auspicious event.