Mayo National School opens new playground

THERE WAS only one name on everyone’s lips when it came to cutting the ribbon on a new and exciting era for the pupils of Mayo NS in Crettyard.

Laois GAA star and past pupil Evan O’Carroll was invited back as guest of honour to officially open the school’s new playground recently. The playground is a wonderful addition to the school and has been really received by the children and is in constant use.

The fun-filled playground is the result of many months of hard work fundraising for it by selling tickets for two calves. The fundraising task took sellers right across Ireland, selling tickets wherever they went along with the help of some local volunteers and grant funding.

The school’s astroturf pitch has also been fenced off, its outdoor classroom given a facelift and a wildflower garden sown, all enhancing the school enormously. 

The highlight is, however, the new playground, complete with its new climbing frame with swings and slides. All the hard work by parents, teachers and staff alike was celebrated on Wednesday 5 June last.

Everyone, especially the pupils, were delighted to welcome Evan. In fact, when the pupils were asked who they would like to cut the ribbon, Evan’s name was top of the list ... well ahead of both Ronaldo and Messi!

Evan spoke of how much he loved attending Mayo National School and how proud he was to return on the day. 

In response, his former teacher and current principal Clare McCarthy recalled how eight-year-old Evan loved to go outside to play football, even in the rain. Evan was then put under the spotlight with a question-and-answer session from the senior classes. He answered them all very honestly and it was very evident as to why the pupils have such admiration for him.

Many local dignitaries joined Mayo NS on the day. Laois County Council was represented by cathaoirleach cllr Pascal McEvoy, who spoke about the facilities available in Mayo and how it felt like a little private school in the southeast corner of Laois.

The hard work of a few people in particular were mentioned - school secretary Nicola Rowan, who made hundreds of calls and emails to bring the project together; class teacher Liam Lalor, who will be taking over as principal in September, for co-ordinating the project and a massive thank you to Ann Marie Maher of Laois County Council for the tireless work and endless support she gave during the project.

Finally, it was time to cut the ribbon and Evan was joined by the pupils, who gave the loudest cheer of the day as the ribbon was cut. Everyone then adjourned to the school’s multipurpose room for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Even the beautiful cake embraced the theme of the day and was designed like a playground!