Nearly €9K raised for special classes in Carrigallen
Carrigallen Vocational School received a cheque of €8,900 for special educational classes over the weekend; the proceeds of a fundraiser by Ballinagh District Vintage Club.
The school staff were invited to Cronin’s Bar by Anne, Philip and their son Matthew McGauran, who is a past pupil at Carrigallen Vocational School. From Ballinagh, the family are members of the vintage club and decided to raise funds for the Carrigallen school.
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Wilma Bennett, Jean Kells (Sam Bennett’s daughter), Matthews McGauran, Verónica Edwards (acting principal, Carrigallen Vocational School); Billy Reilly, treasurer; Andy Cronin, James Good, Winston Bennett, Gwen Good, Patrice Gallagher, Mary Harte, Anne McGauran, secretary; Clive Bennett, Mary Duffy, Margaret Mulligan, William Kells, Aodhghan Clarke, Hugh Clarke, Phil McGauran, John Walsh, Tom Smith, Ciaran Weir and David Mulligan, chairperson. Photo by Photography BY Lissette CarcamoImage 2 of 4
Matthew McGauran and Mary Harte. Photo by Photography BY Lissette CarcamoImage 3 of 4
John Walsh, Anne McGauran, Patrice Gallagher, Matthew McGauran, Mary Harte, David Mulligan and Billy Reilly. Photo by Photography BY Lissette CarcamoImage 4 of 4
Mary Harte, Patrice Gallagher, Matthews McGauran and Verónica Edwards. Photo by Photography BY Lissette Carcamo“Matthew was a much-loved member of our school community,” acting principal Veronica Edwards said while receiving the cheque.
“His smile lit up every classroom and enriched the lives of everyone he met. He always radiated goodness, kindness, and the pure joy of living in the moment.”
Meanwhile, his mother Anne supported them “every step of the way” during his time in the school and beyond.
“In fact, our experiences with Matthew led us to introduce a Level 2 Learning Programme in the school for students with moderate general learning disabilities. This programme has gone from strength to strength since its introduction.
“The McGauran family helped us overcome every challenge as we worked toward creating a more inclusive educational environment. Today, we are proud to say that we have three autism special classes and two classes for students with moderate general learning disabilities, and our provision for students with additional educational needs continues to develop each year,” she stated.
Ms Edwards also thanked members of the Ballinagh District Vintage Club and its officers for their efforts in the fundraiser.
She assured them that the contribution will help “make a real difference in the daily lives of our students with additional educational needs”.
“It will contribute towards covering the costs of providing equipment and resources, funding trips and overnight stays, facilitating life skills workshops, and funding tailored learning materials, and specialised support programmes.
“This act of kindness will leave a lasting impact, and we look forward to sharing the progress and success this support will help achieve,” concluded the principal.