Seir Kieran NS, Clareen, Birr, Co. Offaly

Offical Opening of School Extension.

The new extension to Seir Kieran’s National School was officially opened by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen on May 8th 2009. The extension was blessed by Most Rev. Seamus Freeman, Bishop of Ossory and Fr. Peter Muldowney.

Principal Majella Gibbons delivered the opening address. She proudly noted that the school is a testimony to a cohort of people who have a remarkable sense of pride, community spirit and loyalty. She acknowledged how the school authorities have enjoyed in the past, and continue to enjoy, the marvellous support and goodwill from the people of the parish
Mrs. Gibbons spoke about the tumultuous history of Seir Kieran’s over it’s 135 years. She also remarked on how the school had been a major part of her life for 35 years, both as an assistant teacher for 17 years and Principal for 18 years.

Chairperson of the Board of Management, Damien Finnerty, thanked all those who had brought the project to fruition. He thanked the parish priests involved with the school project from the beginning, including Fr. Eamonn Foley, Fr. Kieran Cantwell and Fr. Peter Muldowney. He thanked Principal Majella Gibbons and the school staff for their support throughout the building project.
He acknowledged the work done by the Design Team and builders led by Mr. Ed Walsh for their concept of blending old with new, managing to incorporate the original school house from 1874 into today’s building.
Damien thanked the parents of the pupils, both past and present, and the people of the community for all their support and assistance. He concluded by saying how saying how proud we all are to have a state of the art school to educate our children for many years to come,

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen applauded the dedication of the staff and community of ensuring the success of the school. He remarked that education ran to the heart of the community’s success. He added that wonderful memories and the joy of education will continue to be forged for future generations in Seir Kieran’s National School.

Bishop Séamus Freeman remarked that the parish of Seir Kieran holds a most important place in the history of the Diocese of Ossory. He said that Seir Kieran is the historical and ecclesiastical centre of the Diocese of Ossory and that it is the spiritual foundation stone of the Diocese.
Addressing the students of the school, Bishop Freeman commented on the wonderful facilities that they can now enjoy and he stated that these facilities will give and education of excellence to the children of Clareen.

Fr. Peter Muldowney remarked that the school has been a wonderful centre of learning and he prayed that this will continue with each pupil being enabled to develop to their full potential as a human being. Quoting WB Yeats he said “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
He prayed that this fire may be lit in all the children who will be educated in this school.


The children of the school performed music, songs, dance and a short play during the day of celebrations that will be well remembered by the staff, parents and the students of the school for years to come.

To celebrate the opening of the extension, a book detailing the history of the school since it’s foundation in 1874 was launched. A copy of the book entitled “It’s Been 135 Years” was presented to An Taoiseach Brian Cowen on the day of the opening.

The opening of the school extension also coincided with the raising of the school’s second green flag. (Details of this can be found on our Green Schools Page).

For more pictures of the official opening ceremony, please see the Photographs page of the website.