As the sun beamed high in the sky with the beautiful backdrop of a serene blue sky, the pages finally turned for a new chapter in Patrician Academy life on Friday 27th September 2024 with the Official Opening Ceremony for our new school buildings. Gone are the days of dreary, dingy and coffin-like metal boxes. Gone are the days of cold classrooms, “laggy internet”, poor conditions, Kango hammers and consaws. In a hugely anticipated, professional and memorable Opening Ceremony, the red carpet was finally rolled out for Minister Norma Foley (Minister for Education) who, incidentally, cut the ribbon and Bishop William Crean (Bishop of Cloyne) who blessed the new school to officially launch the official opening of the new buildings and signal a new dawn and a new day for everyone here in the Patrician Academy.
Although it is said: there is no future in a rear-view mirror; it truly is remarkable to contrast the very tumultuous and exceptionally difficult logistical journey that staff and students had to face since the fire, with our stunningly beautiful new school – a quintessential marrying of the old and the new. Two top-of-the-range woodwork rooms with cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art classrooms, a new canteen, several spacious social areas and a fully-kitted and very inviting SEN Suite, not to mention the beautifully landscaped gardens; all of which have left us completely in awe of our new school environment. It is fair to say, we have come a long way. To quote Eoin Dineen (6th Year Student and Student Council Chairperson) in his speech on Friday: “faigheann foighne fortacht” – patience gets its reward.
The Official Opening Ceremony was certainly an historic occasion for the school. The Principal, Ms Elaine O’Regan outlined how the true spirit of the Patrician Academy burned brightly among the school community in the aftermath of the fire with the boys excelling despite the dire conditions. Several messages of thanks were conveyed to all of the various stakeholders who made our new build possible. Particular thanks was made to Rhatigans and the architects for building and designing the new buildings. The Chairperson of the Board of Management (Mr Andrew McCarthy) spoke on behalf of the Board and emphasised the importance and value of Catholic Education. Minister Norma Foley heaped significant praise and “saluted all of the staff” for “enhancing the lives of students here”. She continued by saying: “it is that spirit of volunteerism, it is that spirit of doing the extra and the more, for the benefit of the student that makes this school what it is. So, thank you to the staff. You are truly the heartbeat of the school and your service continues the tradition of the Patrician Brothers.”
The speeches and sense of occasion really did epitomise the outstanding work that takes place here in the Patrician Academy. The point was made by several dignitaries, former staff, students and parents that this is an exceptional school with an exceptional staff. The point was made that the town of Mallow is hugely fortunate to have such a beacon of light at the heart of the community, to have such an inclusive and diverse community here in the Patrician Academy. It is this community that shapes our lives. It is this community that shapes our tomorrow and reminds us of our Latin motto on our school crest: Pro Deo et Patria [for God and Country]. We very much look forward to carrying the baton into the future from the Patrician Brothers of 1879 and look forward to a new lease of life, a new energy and vibrancy, sense of Meitheal and willingness to excel with limitless ambition. With our new school surroundings, the future looks exceedingly bright! Is leor ó Mhór a dícheall – all one can do is one’s best!
James Delaney
Deputy Principal
