8 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 7 February 2013
Local society Blanch supporters host second event in Castleknock on April 5
Golf classic aims to fund Connolly Hospital diabetic unit laura webb
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy their favourite sport while helping to raise vital funds for their local hospital by taking part in a golf classic organised by the Blanchardstown Hospital Society. The local society is hosting
FastNews
SciFest student entries sought STUDENTS are being encouraged to take part in this year’s SciFest and put their knowledge of science to the test. Science, technology and maths projects are being showcased at a series of one day science fairs held in the 14 regional Institutes of Technologies, including ITB. The winners from each science fair will go on to compete at the national final in October. Log on to www. scifest.ie for more information and to download an entry form. Completed entry forms must be submitted to the organisers by Friday, March 8.
Valentine’s at Blanchardstown VISITORS to the Blanchardstown Centre on Valentine’s Day could be in with a chance to win a €1,000 shopping spree. On February 14, the popular shopping centre is offering one lucky person a shopping spree. Radio station Q102 will be at the centre from 1 to 5pm giving out hourly clues and prizes. There will also be more Valentine’s activities on the day, including face painting and free hugs!
its second fundraising golf classic at the Castleknock Golf Club on April 5. Money raised on the night is in aid of the Diabetic Day Centre at Connolly Hospital. Last year’s classic raised €12,500 and all proceeds were donated to the Stroke Unit Department of the Eld-
erly in Connolly Hospital. The proceeds were used to upgrade a rehabilitation room for the elderly patients. Raffle
Other fundraising efforts in aid of the Diabetic Day Centre include a raffle and a race night later in the year.
Individuals or companies interested in the golf classic can support it through a number of options. A company logo at the tee box, plus entry of a team with a two-course meal and prize giving in the clubhouse afterwards is €450. A team of four, including a two-course meal
is €300, the company logo at the tee box sponsorship costs €250. Sponsorship of the longest drive costs €200, and sponsorship of nearest the pin is €150. You can also support by donating prizes, or just making a contribution. Anyone interested in taking part in the golf classic
can contact Shay Smyth on 087 367 9377 or email shaysmyth1@gmail.com There will also be a raffle as part of the fundraising effort and tickets will be available at stalls in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and the Concourse, Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.
extensions: sports hall dedicated to memory of the late Brian Lenihan
St Brigid’s celebrate the opening of new facilities laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com
R ain showers were not going to dampen the spirits of students at St Brigid’s National School Castleknock recently when they celebrated the official opening of their new school extension and sports hall, which was dedicated to the memory of the late Brian Lenihan. The extension was 10 years in the making, taking 18 months to build, so staff, board members and parents were overjoyed to see their vision finally come to fruition. Students filled the halls of their new school extension waving their school flags in excitement at showing guests their new sports hall. Not only will the students benefit from the new building, but the local community will also get something out of it, as the sports hall will be a shared resource. T he school’s new library was a sight not to be missed, with its state-of-the-art fittings and an impressive art motif on the wall. Students also had a project mounted on the walls, featuring the history of their school’s
location in Castleknock. Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin conducted a blessing ceremony before school teacher Tony Hegarty addressed guests, which included members of the Lenihan family, to dedicate the new hall at St Brigid’s in memory of the late, long-serving local TD and former government minister Brian Lenihan. Tony described Lenihan as being a “visionary” for his community and said he always had a presence, “people listened and hung on every word he said”, adding it was a “privilege and an honour” to dedicate the centre to him. The official opening was a particularly fitting day to hold the ceremony, as it took place on February 1, the feast day of the school’s patron saint. However, it wasn’t only a special day for the school, but also for their local TD, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, who told guests it was her birthday. Delighted to be there, she said there is always a great feeling from the school, that it’s a “happy place”. She went on to pay
Tony Hegarty of St Brigid’s National School unveiling the Brian Lenihan commemorative plaque
tribute to all those involved in making the day happen, and said it was a fitting tribute for Brian Lenihan to be remembered. The school’s principal, Denis Courtney, said the new school is a “magnificent testament” to the board of manage-
ment and the people who worked so hard to bring it to where it is today. Speaking to the Gazette, he said: “There has been a huge build up to it with projects and so much preparation for today. “I would like to think
students did themselves really proud today. There is a huge sense of satisfaction today, we weren’t sure we would reach it and if it would ever come and the fact we have a hall as beautiful as this and such great facilities – we are so delighted,” he added.
Fine Gael Minister L e o Va r a d k a r ( F G ) said the ceremony was “beautiful” and that he didn’t think he had ever seen a “nicer one”. St Brigid’s National School was established in Castleknock in 1865 and now has 912 pupils and 43 teachers.