Watch: Minister opens Gaelscoil na Speiríní in Draperstown

Education Minister John O’Dowd has officially opened new facilities for Gaelscoil na Speiríní, Straw near Draperstown
Education Minister John O'Dowd unveils a plaque to officially open the new facilities for Gaelscoil Na Speirini at Straw last Wenesday morning with the help of Principal Shauna Kelly, Tadringin Rafferty (Naiscoil Leader) and pupils.INMM1115-322Education Minister John O'Dowd unveils a plaque to officially open the new facilities for Gaelscoil Na Speirini at Straw last Wenesday morning with the help of Principal Shauna Kelly, Tadringin Rafferty (Naiscoil Leader) and pupils.INMM1115-322
Education Minister John O'Dowd unveils a plaque to officially open the new facilities for Gaelscoil Na Speirini at Straw last Wenesday morning with the help of Principal Shauna Kelly, Tadringin Rafferty (Naiscoil Leader) and pupils.INMM1115-322

The school relocated to new modular accommodation in September 2014, making use of the former St Columba’s Primary School site.

Speaking after he performed the opening, Minister O’Dowd said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to open new premises for Gaelscoil na Speiríní.

“The school has been delivering quality education through the medium of Irish to children in Straw and the surrounding area for 10 years and has seen a steady rise in enrolment in recent times. Now the school has moved to improved premises in a better location and it is the start of an exciting new chapter.

Education Minister John O'Dowd unveils a plaque to officially open the new facilities for Gaelscoil Na Speirini at Straw last Wenesday morning with the help of Principal Shauna Kelly, Tadringin Rafferty (Naiscoil Leader) and pupils.INMM1115-322Education Minister John O'Dowd unveils a plaque to officially open the new facilities for Gaelscoil Na Speirini at Straw last Wenesday morning with the help of Principal Shauna Kelly, Tadringin Rafferty (Naiscoil Leader) and pupils.INMM1115-322
Education Minister John O'Dowd unveils a plaque to officially open the new facilities for Gaelscoil Na Speirini at Straw last Wenesday morning with the help of Principal Shauna Kelly, Tadringin Rafferty (Naiscoil Leader) and pupils.INMM1115-322

“These new facilities are an endorsement of Irish-medium education in the local area. Indeed Gaelscoil and Naíscoil na Speiríní are part of a flourishing Irish-medium sector in the north and it is encouraging to see the level of take-up for learning through Irish. The language is part of our rich, shared heritage and is thriving.”

Minister O’Dowd added: “I wish Principal Seána Uí Cheallaigh, the governors, staff, parents and, of course, the pupils of Gaelscoil na Speiríní the very best for the future as they settle into their new surroundings.”

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