Proclamation day was celebrated in style in Sliabh a’ Mhadra N.S. on Tuesday, 15th March, 2016. The school has a unique connection with the 1916 Rising as one of its past pupils fought and died in the GPO. His name is Michael Mulvihill and he grew up just a few fields away from the school.
Invited guests to the ceremony included Eithne Kennan, grand-niece of Michael Mulvihill and grand daughter of Austin Kennan. Austin was Michael Mulvihill’s brother-in-law and accompanied Michael Mulvihill to Dublin on Good Friday and fought alongside him in the GPO. However, Austin survived whereas Michael was shot on Moore’s Lane beside the GPO.
Also present were Shane, Harry and Joan Ashe, who are relatives of the great Thomas Ashe. Shane Ashe, who was a member of Irish Defence Forces, spoke to the attentive audience of pupils, parents and teachers about the life of Thomas Ashe and how he was the only successful commander of the Rising because he was in charge of the Battle of Ashbourne, which was a military success for the Irish rebels.
Pupils put on a fantastic pageant scripted by Ms Wren, recalling the events of 1916, interspersed with music, song and dance. They were accompanied by Mrs. Goulding on guitar and Ms. Wren on concertina. A candle was lit for the children who were killed in the Rising.
Eithne Kennan, spoke to pupils about how her grandmother, Jane Mulvihill, came over on a ship from London to bring fresh clothes for Jane’s husband, Austin Kennan, and Jane’s brother, Michael Mulvihill, while they were fighting in the GPO.
There was great excitement when Eithne found Jane Mulvihill’s name on a School Register from 1895. The highlight of the day was when everybody went ouside to sing Amhrán na bhFiann and Shane Ashe and Eithne Kennan raised our National Flag.
The sun shone brightly as the flag was raised. However, there was a cool March nip in the air and we were glad to go inside for a warm cupán tae and some freshly baked treats which the Parents’ Association provided.
It is a day which will live long in the memory of all in Sliabh a’ Mhadra N.S.
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