What a day! It was amid great excitement and pride that the pupils and school community of St Fergus’ N.S welcomed the arrival of our National Flag and our copy of the Proclamation of Independence today!We thank Ger and Gary who travelled from Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick to present us with these commemorative items. During Flag Week (10th-17th March 2016) we will proudly display these items along with our school projects based on the 1916 Rising.

A wonderful turn out of parents and grandparents started the guard of honour to greet the arrival of the Defence Forces. The pupils of the school then continued this guard into the Halla where the official ceremony began. Each child enthusiastically waved their home made tricolour.

After welcoming everybody to the event, Mrs Kennelly and the children briefly outlined the importance and the significance of the National Flag. They then proceeded to remind people of the protocol associated with flying the tricolour. The Proclamation of Independence was read by both the soldiers and two of our Sixth Class children, before the flag and copy of the proclamation were presented to the two youngest pupils in the school.

Our gallant men were then treated to a sample of Irish dancing and flute playing from some of the children. They were also thrilled by the rendition of Seán South from Garryowen that they heard. The children then availed of the opportunity to ask questions of the soldiers and it was amazing to witness the sensible and thought provoking questions that they asked.

No event in Ireland would be complete without a rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann, which was played and sung beautifully by all.

It was then, as always, time for the photographs, which Ger and Gary happily stood patiently for. Each class grouping posed with the gentlemen and got to ask even more question one on one. A real treat.

This truly special day was a brilliant way of making the commemorations of 1916 real and relevant to our youngest citizens. It brought home the beauty of the National Flag and the importance of the words spoken on the steps of the G.P.O. one hundred years ago. The work will continue in the classrooms during the year, but, tús maith, leath na hoibre!

Thank you to all who could be with us today for such a memorable occasion. We look forward to sharing many more days in the year ahead.