McGuigan punches for New Bridge

The ‘Clones Cyclone’ is supporting integrated education - something which has been welcomed by the chair of the school’s Parents’ Association.

It comes as the association is attempting to raise funds for the school through a big band night.

Mr. Martin Casey, Chair of the Parents’ Association said, “There is growing support for the Integrated Sector across the Province. People are recognising the continuing need to educate children together not just from different religious and cultural backgrounds but also from different academic abilities in a co-educational environment.

“Our views are shared by ex-World boxing champion, Mr. Barry McGuigan. We have been in contact with him and hope he will be able to visit the school in the near future to meet with three students who currently hold All-Ireland boxing titles.”

Over the past three years the Parents’ Association has been working to raise funds for the school as well as promoting integrated education in the Banbridge district. Funds raised by parents have enabled the school to refurbish the College assembly hall floor and install additional heating as well as providing other resources.

Most recently the efforts of the Parents’ Association have been focused on the purchase and installation of interactive white boards throughout the school.

In support of this current project the Parents’ Association have organised a Big Band night in the College featuring the PM Big Band on Saturday October 22 at 8pm. Tickets for the Big Band Nite are available for £12 each, including a light supper, from the College Reception, Walsh’s Shop, Scarva Street, Banbridge and Donaghy’s, Newry Street, Banbridge.

Mr. Gerry Jones, principal at New Bridge, said “The Parents’ Association has provided much needed funding for the school in recent years and we are extremely grateful for the work that has been done to help improve our school facilities. This summer we were able to equip 20 classrooms with new interactive whiteboard which will be used to enhance teaching and learning in the College.

“The College staff and myself and looking forward to a very successful evening with the PM Big Band and I would like to encourage support for this event from our parents and members of the local community.”

The Parents’ Association pledge to continue its support for the College as funding becomes even more crucial in terms of budget cuts and severe recession.