It was a wonderful occasion in Holy Family Senior and Junior Schools yesterday as a popular priest was recognised in his Jubilee year.
Monsignor John Byrne was the guest of honour as hundreds gathered in Portlaoise yesterday.
The event was driven by the school community under the guidance of principals Roisin Brennan (Senior) and Enda Hickey (Junior).
The Parish Priest of Portlaoise was also honoured as he was retiring as chairman of the Board of Management.
There were a number of special guests – with former principal Des Sutton acting as MC on the day, bringing his own style and humour to proceedings.
Events began with teacher Paul Finn playing a beautiful piece of music and he would later be accompanied by Claire Kennedy who did an Irish dance.
Boys and girls in 2nd class sang ‘Circle of Friends’ while the Holy Family choir also performed ‘This Little Light of Mine’.
Bishop Denis Nulty was first of the guests to speak and he hailed the impact of Monsignor Byrne who was ordained in 1974.
The Carlow native came to Laois in 2000 where he immediately got to work.
He amalgamated three Portlaoise schools into two with Holy Family officially opening in 2017.
Anne Buggy, the former principal of the old Scoil Mhuire, spoke about the impact that Monsignor Byrne had.
She said: “We are here to recognize and acknowledge the wonderful work that Fr John has done for Portlaoise and the schools here.
“He took on St Paul’s, Scoil Mhuire and Sacred Heart to enact a vision that he had.
“To provide quality places where children of this parish could be educated.
“From Day 1, Fr John was determined to move the project along and the Department of Education were not prepared for the dynamic person that he is.
“There were many visits to government buildings and Fr John is a force to be reckoned with – he was not taking no for an answer.
“We would not be standing in this building here today had it not been for the vision and drive of Monsignor Byrne to enact the dream that he had.
“We have a building and a plaza here that is unique in its design and functionality across the country.”
The event concluded with a speech from Monsignor Byrne himself who thanked everyone for the love he has been shown.
He said: “When I came to Portlaoise, I realised that we had very good schools but very bad buildings.
“The principals and teachers were excellent so that spurred me on then to take on the project.
“I was greatly assisted, and I want to thank the Presentation Sisters who helped us to purchase this site so that the schools could be built.
“I am very grateful for this occasion – it is a bit like getting a preview of your funeral, nobody says anything critical of you on days like these.
“But I am grateful for the appreciation and thanks – although I do think it can be over-exaggerated.
“I am proud of this campus and the schools but I am conscious of the small part I played and the huge help I had from the principals and staff of the three schools that amalgamated.
“What seemed like a complicated project, became very easy in the end.”
Monsignor Byrne then planted a tree before those in attendance were treated to refreshments.
Photographer Paul Dargan was present and captured some brilliant images.
Check them out above and below:
