Historic Christmas celebration for Laois school and community

Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe held a ‘Celebration of Christmas’ and launched their local history and folklore collection ‘Tracing Our Past-Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe’ which was compiled by the pupils of the school in the year 2021-2022.

The event on the evening of Tuesday, December 20, commenced with a nativity play and carol service involving all of the pupils across the school. Junior Infants to 1st Class together with pupils from the Sonas ASD Class starred in the nativity play. 

They were very ably prepared by their teachers Johnny Watson (Deputy Principal), Gillian Burnell and Rachel Fisher, with the support of the SNA staff. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Angels and Innkeepers giving a stellar performance Pic: Heather Rice 

Pupils from 2nd to 6th class narrated the nativity play production. Carols were sung by all pupils in the school and instrumental interludes comprising of tin whistle, accordion and drum performances were provided by the school band which is made up of pupils from 2nd to 6th Class, under the baton of teacher Mrs. Kristina Cahill.

Poetry recitation from 5th & 6th Class Pic: Heather Rice

Pupils from Mrs. Cahill’s and Mr. Whelan’s middle and senior classes then recited seasonal poems for the congregation in attendance.  This part of the evening then concluded with a musical medley of festive favourites by the school band

The next part of the evening involved the launch of the school’s local history and folklore collection ‘Tracing our Past-Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe’ which is based on the same principles of the nationwide School’s Collection/Bailiuchán na Scol 1937.

In the modern day Shanahoe Collection, all pupils of the school went out into their local area in late 2021 and early 2022 and interviewed family members, friends and neighbours about various different topics under the umbrella heading of local history and heritage.

Mary and Joseph at the MangerPic: Heather Rice

These topics were wide ranging and diverse and included the infamous Boocough Rua of the iconic Poor Man’s Bridge in Shanahoe to the powerful force that is Shanahoe Ladies’ GAA Club, which has grown and developed under the guidance of great friend of the school Mr. Mikey Hyland of Aghaboe to name but one committed GAA stalwart connected with the club. 

School Principal Barry Whelan said that ‘in retrospect the project was a great way of reconnecting the community after the limitations and restrictions imposed by successive lockdowns over the course of the previous two years’. Mr. Whelan went on to outline that it also reconnected the school with individuals who were honourably connected with the school in times past.

Fr. Petru Medves C.C and school principal Barry Whelan 

These people included Mrs. Anne Flynn (née Whelan) of Clonaslee and formerly of Abbeyleix whose late father Mr. John Whelan served with distinction as Principal of the school from 1935 to 1967. It was wonderful to have Mrs. Fynn in attendance on the night.  Other individuals reconnected with the school as part of the collection included Mrs. Mary M. Dollard (née Foley) who was Principal of the school from 1973 to 1979 and is now resident in Dublin and unfortunately couldn’t be in attendance on the night but conveyed her best wishes for the occasion.

Mrs. Margaret Brosnan (née Dowling) taught in the school from 1980 to 1983 alongside Mr. David Brickley and travelled all of the way from Kerry for the event. Mrs. Brosnan has very fond memories of her time in Scoil Fionntáin Naofa. Mrs. Brosnan kindly gifted a Cherry Blossom tree to the school on the night to replace one of two that was in existence inside the main gate during her time there and which unfortunately had to be cut down in recent years.

Local historian, past pupil and school parent Tony Delaney illuminated the life of local poet of national renown John Keegan for all in attendance. Pic: Heather Rice

Recently retired esteemed Deputy Principal Mrs. Miriam Brickley was also in attendance. Mrs. Brickley (née Collins) spent her entire teaching career of 39 years in the school and holds the accolade of being the longest serving teacher in the history of the school since its foundation in 1830. 

Following generous sponsorship provided by local individuals, organisations and businesses, the folklore collection culminated in the publication of ‘Tracing our Past-Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe’ by Modern Printers in Kilkenny.

Poetry in motion from 2nd, 3rd and 4th Class Pic: Heather Rice

Speakers at the official launch included school Principal Mr. Barry Whelan, past pupil, parent, History teacher in St. Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise  and co-editor of the collection Mrs. Maresa Melvin (née Lalor) and past pupil, parent and historian Mr. Tony Delaney.

The collection was officially launched by former school Principal  Mr. David Brickley and author of ‘Shanahoe: A Rich Area’ (1988). Speaking as a past pupil, Maresa Melvin (née Lalor) outlined how Mr. Brickley had instilled a great love of local history and heritage and related elements in the pupils of the school during his tenure as Principal  from 1979-2011.

Presentation of flowers to Sonia McDonnell and Maresa Melvin (née Lalor)  to acknowledge their work on the folklore and local history collection ‘Tracing our Past-Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe’. Pic: Heather Rice

Mr. Brickley spoke with great enthusiasm about the compilation of the new collection as he officially launched it. 

The evening concluded with a recitation of the famous poem ‘Caoch the Piper’ which was penned by local man, national poet of renown and one time teacher in ‘Shanahoe School, Queen’s Co.’ Mr. John Keegan (1816-1849). The recitation was provided by a selection of the pupils from 2nd to 6th class. 

Refreshments followed in Shanahoe Community Hall for all in attendance and overall the evening proved to be a great community event. 

Official launch of ‘Tracing Our Past-Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe by former Principal (1979-2011), Mr David Brickley. Pic: Heather Rice

‘Tracing Our Past-Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe’ which is a wonderful repository of the rich local history and heritage of the Shanahoe area and environs compiled by the pupils of the school is available to purchase in ‘AllBooks’ in Portlaoise and in ‘Anthology’ in Abbeyleix and also directly from the school by emailing shanahoens@gmail.com or by phoning (057) 87 39715. The cost of the publication is €20.