School Life Long Ago....

On Thursday 10/9/15, the 6^th 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!!