On Thursday 10/9/15, the 6th
Class pupils invited local Crotta man Gerald Byrnes into their classroom.
Having spent the week learning about primary schools of the past, the children
extended an invitation to Gerald, in the hope that he would share some of his
own memories of school.
Needless to say, Gerald did not
disappoint. He reminisced freely of the days he spent in St. Teresa’s National
School. Having attended the school from 1947-1955, Gerald discussed the old
school building, his barefoot walks from Garrynagore to school, carrying turf
for the classroom fire, their playground games and of course some stories of
mischief and devilment which are synonymous with Gerald.
The children were in awe as they
examined Gerald’s photographs, depicting the days of the donkey and cart loaded
with turf for school. Everyone was particularly impressed with Gerald’s medal
collection. Gerald proudly showed us a collection of medals that belonged to
his late father Willie Byrnes. Such medals consisted of county championship
medals his father had won with Crotta O’Neills. Our future stars were only too
delighted to hold the medals with honour.
Gura fada
buan tú!!
Míle
buíochas as ucht do chuid chabhrach go léir!!
