The school population, board members, Fr. Hegarty and former members of the Defence Forces gathered in the school hall for what was a momentous day. Mr. O'Keeffe introduced the day and invited Mrs. Kiely's fourth class to remind us of the protocols around the handling of the Irish Flag.
After this Ms. O'Keeffe's sixth class presented a brilliantly read and preformed depiction of the seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation.
Veteran Irish soldier Bob Farrell read out the Irish Proclamation of 1916 and every ear in the hall fell on his words.
Our own St. Oliver's N.S. Proclamation was read out by Lucia and Clara, after which we made our way outside into the front yard.
As St. Mary's Church bells tolled in the background, our sixth class students proudly marched in front of their peers, teachers, school staff, parents and former members of the Defence Forces with the Irish Flag. Assisted by Mr. O'Keeffe they attached and raised the flag to the top of the flagpole. The representatives from the Defence Forces stood to attention as the Irish Flag reached full mast. The entire school body led by Ms. Walsh on trumpet then sang our national anthem 'Amhran na bhfainn'.
Thank you to all who attended today and what a great day to be Irish.
