Tony Holohan to launch book at Clare primary school

THE former chief medical offficer who saw Ireland through the worst of the pandemic will launch a newly published book of poems by pupils in Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire, Newmarket-on-Fergus this Tuesday.

At 1.30pm in the school, Dr Tony Holohan will launch the book entitled ‘Covid Voices: Third Class pupils reflect’, a unique collection of children’s reflections, thoughts and art work about the pandemic.

Speaking before the launch, principal, Moira McMahon said “We are super proud of our 3rd class pupils’ work. Teachers, Ms Healy Eames and Mr Curley, have been working with the pupils to produce this book of poems since the end of January.

“Their teachers have enabled our nine and ten-year-olds to be authors and to reflect on the meaning of the pandemic in their lives. It is a phenomenal achievement and fascinating to read the range of Covid-related themes the children have expressed through their poems.”

Commenting on Dr Holohan doing the launch, special education teacher, Fidelma Healy Eames said ‘I reached out to Tony Holohan to ask if he would launch our book of poems and he said yes!

“Dr Holohan took us through a tough pandemic which represented much suffering, isolation and restrictions. He became synonymous with Covid and gave us some certainty in a time of great uncertainty. It is fitting that he should launch our publication ‘Covid Voices’.

“It has been a delight for me too to work closely with class teacher Mr Curley and the third class pupils on this unique project which meets the curriculum goals of children’s authorship.

“And to top it all the proceeds from the sale of ‘Covid Voices’ will go towards Ukraine Aid (Red Cross). This was the children’s choice. Copies of the book at €10 are available by calling our school at 061-368333. The children and their families are super excited about their publication and would love your support’,” added Ms Healy Eames.