Coolick National School welcomed Minister Norma Foley, for the official opening of its new state-of-the-art modular classroom and to review plans for a major upcoming school extension.

The Minister was received by Principal Gearóid O’Sullivan, members of the Board of Management, staff, pupils, parents, local Councillor Marie Moloney, and members of the wider community.

The newly opened modular classroom provides a modern learning environment for pupils, representing a significant investment in the local area.

During the visit, Minister Foley was also presented with the recently approved plans for the school’s major extension project.

The granted planning permission covers a comprehensive programme of works to modernise and expand the existing building.

The upcoming project includes the construction of a two-storey extension to the front of the existing building, which incorporates a new lower ground level to significantly increase floor area and capacity.

Internal reconfiguration works will modernise the school’s appearance and improve functionality, which will include dedicated facilities for a Special Class.

Additionally, a new parking area will be constructed to improve safety and accessibility for families, staff, and visitors.

The occasion featured a programme of entertainment by the pupils, including performances by the school’s set dancers, music groups, and the school choral group, which recently participated in the Cork Choral Festival. A blessing of the new facility was performed by Fr Joe Begley.

The parish of Kilcummin marked a milestone on June 21 when Bishop Ray Browne celebrated a special Golden Jubilee Mass to honour the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Bishop Ray welcomed several concelebrants who have ministered in the parish over the past five decades, including Fr Kieran O’Brien, Fr Joe Begley, Fr Larry Kelly, Fr Tom Looney, Fr Jim Lenihan, and Deacon Thady O’Connor.

During the ceremony, Bishop Ray highlighted the remarkable community spirit alive in Kilcummin.

He noted that over its 50-year history, the church has hosted 1,920 baptisms, 520 weddings, and 850 funerals.

The celebration also welcomed back individuals who shared historical ties to the church’s earliest days. In attendance were Marian Keane and Timmy O’Keeffe of Gneeveguilla, who celebrated the very first wedding in the church.

George Lenihan and Eimear Mangan, who recorded the first parish baptism in June 1976, were also present.

Additionally, original 1976 parish building committee members Tom Dalton, Dermot Keane, and Johnny Guerin joined the congregation to mark the occasion.

Following the Mass, the community gathered at the Kilcummin School Gym for refreshments and social interaction.

Local schoolchildren publish parish book

A key highlight of the Golden Jubilee celebrations was the launch of a 19-page colour information booklet acting as a guide to the church, its grounds, the grotto, Mass Rock, and parish cemeteries.

The booklet was entirely researched and written by the sixth-class pupils of the three local parish national schools: Anabla, Coolick, and Kilcummin.

Fr Kieran O’Brien praised the efforts of the mostly 13-year-old students, calling the publication a remarkable and valuable legacy as they finish primary school and prepare for post-primary education this coming September.

The Parish Council extended their gratitude to Éamonn Fitzgerald for overseeing the project and getting it into print, as well as Community Employment workers Helen, Margaret, Iryna, and Maura for printing and compiling the final booklets.

Complimentary copies of the Golden Jubilee booklet are available for parishioners and visitors. You can pick up a copy directly from:

Siobhán McSweeney, Parish Secretary
Kilcummin Rural Development Office
Kilcummin Parish Pastoral Council

The members of the Kilcummin Parish Pastoral Council who helped coordinate the Golden Jubilee celebrations are:

Clare Fleming (Chairperson)
Éamonn Fitzgerald
Fr Kieran O’Brien
Ann Marie Keane
Theresa Kerins
Siobhán McSweeney
Irene O’Keeffe
Gearóid O’Sullivan