A massive paint party at St Bricin’s in Belturbet

Music, ice-cream, sandwiches and stories are among the promised perks for the helpers of Belturbet’s St Bricin’s College refurbishment event. Starting today (Wednesday), June 18, and running until the following Saturday, the town’s people are asked to help paint the external walls of the school as “bright and vibrant as we can”.

Principal Jody Ó Gallchóir explains the idea bore from wanting to strengthen the community ties: “The school is a very important structure within the community, and we wanted to bring all of the community together to help brighten up the school.”

The school, as one of the town’s biggest employers with 47 staff members and 280 students, represents a cornerstone of Belturbet’s community.

The principal is reaching out to “men and women, young and old, parents or future parents to come and to support us”. As well as people attending during the four days of painting, the school is asking for a loan of small step ladders, brushes, rollers, blankets or other painting tools. “I know some people may be working and they’re not able to give up their free time, but some might be able to support the people who are there.”

So far, the support from the community had been great says Jody: “We’ll have water and snacks from local shops, sandwiches and scones from both parents and some of the volunteers that are helping us and our friends within the school.”

Local businesses such as Fitzpatrick Kitchens, Erne Electrical, plasterer Brian Mulvaney, Arden Broadband, the Seven Horse Shoes, Gala and Centra have been supportive throughout, he adds.

Mr Ó Gallchóir sees the event as much an overhaul project as a social gathering of people: “We would like all of the different groups and organisations to come in to help us with all the small things, and some of our past students to tell stories of their time in the school, some of the older members of the community, what life was like in the town when they were students here.”

The principal sees it as an opportunity to meet the people in the community he hasn’t met yet himself, making the refurbishment job a fun bonding experience. “There’ll be scones, ice-cream, maybe suncream, and music in the background to boost up the morale for everyone involved in the school and get the community gelling together.”