Gaelscoil na bhFilí officially opened

The Minister for Training and Skills, Ciaran Cannon TD, this week performed the official opening of Gaelscoil na bhFilí in Gort, County Galway.
Gaelscoil na bhFilí has a current enrolment of 59 pupils. The initial driving force behind the school was Peterswell man James Fahy, who very quickly enlisted the help of an enthusiastic group of parents who, collectively, worked tirelessly to get the school established. The Gaelscoil derives its name from the family connection between James and the poet known colloquially as ‘The Poet Fahey’ – his father.
The official opening afforded the school the opportunity to showcase its new suite of classrooms and ancillary facilities, which were donated to the school by GAMA Construction. 
Many dignitaries attended the opening including Galway and Clarenbridge hurling star Alan Kerins, Fine Gael TD Ciárán Cannon, Noírín Ní Loinsigh from Gaelscoileanna, Pádraig Mac Fhlannachadha from Conradh na Gaelige, Dónal Ó Conaill ón bhForas, local school principals, clergy, parents and students. Attendees at the opening commented that it was a joy to listen to young children speaking Irish confidently in the school, where a love of the national language is fostered by an enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and parents.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Cannon said, “This is an important day for Gaelscoil na bhFilí. The school has grown considerably since its opening in 2007 and has clearly demonstrated the benefits of the community here in Gort working together to achieve a common goal.
“The pupils, staff and board of management at the school, together with the parents, have steadfastly shown their commitment to the school, to the community and to the language,” said Minister Cannon
Addressing the parents in particular, Minister Cannon went on to say, “I would strongly encourage you to continue to use what Irish you have with your children. It is only by doing this that you will reinforce the messages that the children hear in school that Irish is indeed a vibrant, rich and living language,” he added.
The minister concluded by wishing the principal, Bríd Ní Dhochartaigh, the pupils and the dedicated staff the very best for the future.
“It was a great privilege to be with you here today for your important event. I know the great work that is being done by teachers in schools around the country and I look forward to seeing this for myself, first hand, when I visit the schools.
“All involved here at Gaelscoil na bhFilí should be very proud of what has been achieved up to now and that the vision will continue into the future,” said Minister Cannon. =