Coláiste Bride goes viral with their historic aerial photograph of students
By Laura Lyne
AS PROCLAMATION Day took place around South Dublin in commemoration of the events of 1916, the students and staff of Coláiste Bride held a particularly historic Proclamation Day event which saw them go viral online.
Minutes after the school’s event, the students of Coláiste Bride became an online sensation thanks to the photographic skills of parent Ben Ryan, whose aerial shot of the students in formation to write out the year 1916 became an instant hit.
The event was also historically significant, with one student, Meghan McGill, wearing the medal of her great grandfather, who was a 1916 rebel.
The school’s Irish flag was also raised by the school’s longest serving staff member, Patricia Harrington, who has been with the school for almost 40 years.
Patricia told The Echo: “It was such a privilege, for both myself and in honour of my father as well, who was very loyal to his country.
“It was a lovely ceremony, and really very moving. We had the youngest student in the school and the most senior member of staff raise the flag.
“There was lots of organisation for Proclamation Day in the school, and the day really went like a dream.
“As the flag was raised, the entire school was silent. We also had the school orchestra play the national anthem, and had members of the army at the event.
“The commemoration of 1916 really is wonderful – there is so much going on this week across Dublin.
“I delayed my holiday just so I could take part in the week. I plan to visit Richmond Barracks, and of course the GPO, and hopefully Glasnevin Cemetery.”
School principal Marie-Therese Kilmartin told The Echo: “It was a great occasion, so respectful. It was our first outdoor full school assembly. 950 students and 100 members of staff in total.
“Meghan’s great grandfather fought in 1916 and she proudly wore his medal.
“It was a privilege to address the assembly, and I highlighted that the planning began over a year ago when our school was among the first 100 schools to receive an Irish flag from the Thomas Meagher foundation.
“I wish to thank the three members of the defence forces who attended our ceremonies, lending them an air of authority and extra significance.
“I would like to commend everyone in the school who got involved in poster design, projects, poetry writing, writing a new proclamation for 2016 young people, re-enactments, drama, singing, playing instruments, flag-bearing, our tech team of staff and students who recorded the event and interviewed for audio podcasts.
“There was so much involved, it is an honour to be the principal.”
