PICTURES: Laois primary school celebrates new sports facilities

A Laois school has celebrated the opening of new sports facilities with the help of Electric Picnic performers Timahoe Male Choir.

The community choir joined the staff and children of Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe on Friday, November 28 as they held an official opening for their newly constructed basketball court and walkway. Full story below gallery, tap NEXT to scroll through pictures.

The track and court were constructed over the summer months and are proving to be a great hit with the children.

Several community groups had raised funds for the projects and they were all invited to join in the celebrations.

Principal, Michael McEvoy thanked all of the groups which included Stradbally Credit Union, Timahoe Vintage and Heritage Club, the School Parents’ Association, the Timahoe Male Choir, Eirgrid and Laois County Councillor, Paschal Mc Evoy.

The guests gathered in the hall with the children where they received some words of appreciation from 4th Class. They were also treated to a ‘Thank you’ poem written by 3rd Class. The popular Timahoe Male Choir then performed one of their hits much to the delight of all present.

The guests were then taken outside to watch 6 th class perform a relay race on the new track and to watch 5 th class shoot some hoops on the new basketball court. Fr Sean Kelly was also on hand to bless the new facilities. The gathering finished up with refreshments in the staffroom.

Principal, Michael Mc Evoy was delighted with the event. “We are thrilled with these new facilities and our current children and future generations of children will really benefit from them. We are so thankful to all of the organisations that helped fund the projects. Today was really important to acknowledge all of their hard work”.

Councillor, Paschal Mc Evoy was delighted to help out with the projects. “I went to Timahoe school myself and I have grandchildren here at the moment so I have a deep connection with the school. I’m delighted that I was able to help out with these improvements and I congratulate the staff and the board of management on their work”.

EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley said, “It is fantastic to see the transformation of the basketball court at Timahoe National School. I know that it is a much used and enjoyed amenity by the pupils at the school.”

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“The work to the court is a great example of a project in the local area which has been funded through EirGrid’s Community Benefit Fund as part of the Laois Kilkenny Grid Reinforcement.”

“The fund recognises the value that EirGrid places on engaging with local communities who live alongside infrastructure projects. Our Community Benefit Funds, and projects such as this at Timahoe National School, also leave behind a positive legacy in communities long after works have been completed.”