Our Moment in Time looks back to a momentous occasion in 2008 when a new extension and refurbishment of Timahoe NS was officially opened.
Photographer Alf Harvey was on hand to capture the great occasion.
Performing the official opening of the school, which dates back to 1959, then Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Jim Moriarty noted that a school is very much part of the community, whose task was to develop young people in a number of different ways, and to help them realise their potential.
Principal Enda Hickey thanked former principal David O’Brien and the Boards of Management who had secured the funding.
He paid tribute to the parents council who had worked extremely hard. Along with the local parish, they also redeveloped the football pitch. An agreement was in place with the local GAA club to maintain the full-sized pitch.
Certainly the politicians present at the time show how times have changed.
Deputy Charlie Flanagan is now the current Minister for Justice, while Deputy Sean Fleming has consistently held his seat.
However, Birr native, Fine Gael’s Olwyn Enright left politics in 2011, although her husband Joe McHugh is a sitting TD.
Fianna Fail’s John Moloney lost his seat in 2011, similar to many of his party colleagues who paid the price for the economic crash while his party was in government.
Bishop Jim Moriarty also resigned from his position in 2010 over the mishandling of allegations during his time in the Dublin Archdiocese.
Thankfully, the school is very much still standing and continues to play a significant role in the local community.
Photos: Alf Harvey.
SEE ALSO – Moment in Time: Rathdowney Mothers’ Union 50th anniversary in 2000
