Clonburris Church and National School celebrates 40th anniversary in style
By Hayden Moore
CELEBRATING their 40th Anniversary, Our Lady Queen of the Apostles National School and Church held a series of celebratory events, including a night of celebration in the Red Cow.
Also known as Clonburris Church and School, it is a unique parish as it has had both buildings on the same site since 1978.
The church and school were officially opened in 1978
A week of celebration kicked off with a visit from the Garda Band, who played a compilation of popular music to the current 560 pupils of the school and was followed up by school mass on Friday evening celebrated by Father Shan O’Cuiv.
Current students of Clonburris designed and created 40th Birthday cards for the parish with the Chairman of the Board of Management, Sean McNamara telling us that “the cards really captured the occasion”.
Over 150 people attended the grand finale of events at Red Cow on Friday to enjoy a night of music, cabaret and memories.
Some past pupils were performing at the event with David Sharkey on the microphone, Downey Crowley School of Dancing putting on an Irish dancing display and capping off the cabaret was singer Colm Gavin.
Sam Maguire was in attendance on the big night with former teacher and Dublin stats man Frankie Roebuck and current senior football manager Jim Gavin there to accompany the trophy along with past and current teachers, former Princapal Aideen Ryan and current Principal John Murphy.
“It was great to have a chance to reminisce with some former pupils,” said Sean McNamara.
Since it’s establishment 40 years ago, Clonburris has developed a proven track record of success in sporting events having appeared in 30 Cumann na mBunscol finals in Croke Park – with Jim Gavin uniquely picking up 6 medals as a student there.
Sean continued: “We have a great sports ethos in the school and are currently involved in the Marathon Kids and Active Schools Programmes.
“We have a great relationship with the local Round Towers GAA Club and a huge number of our pupils have played for the Club as well as serving as mentors and Committee members.”
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