Bishop to open new extension at Butlersbridge NS

Michael Cryan

The Bishop of Kilmore, Leo O’Reilly, will officially open the new extension and astro turf pitch at Butlersbridge National School on Friday April 26 at noon.

Bishop O’Reilly will be joined by local TDs Joe O’Reilly (FG) and Brendan Smith (FF) for the opening. The new extension comprises of two new classrooms.

School principal, Niall Clerkin, said the development would have a significant impact on the school. 'This is the second extension to the school in the last seven years,' he said.

Mr Clerkin is hopeful that former pupil and captain of the U21 team, which was narrowly beaten by Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday evening, Fergal Flanagan, will be attendance and perhaps a member of the Donegal panel.

The astro pitch will be used for football, soccer and PE classes, while the children also use it during lunch time as well. Mr Clerkin that the school’s U12 soccer team had reached the Ulster finals, which are due to be held in Monaghan shortly.

He paid tribute to the architect, Michael Fitzpatrick, for doing such a magnificent job and the builder Jimmy Jackson of Sandar Properties for the work on the classrooms and Broomfield Construction for the work on the astro pitch.

The opening will commence with a blessing service, followed by speeches and, weather permitting, when the astro turf is officially opened a match will be played.

There will also be a guided tour of the school on the day and refreshments will be served.