01 June, 2006 - Minister Hanafin joins in celebrations as Scoil Áine Naofa celebrates 25 years

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., today attended a celebration in Scoil Áine Naofa, Lucan, Co. Dublin to mark the 25th anniversary of the school.  Scoil Áine is a senior national school which caters for boys and girls in the third to sixth class age group.  There are currently more than 460 students enrolled in the school.

Minister Hanafin said the occasion provided the school with an opportunity to look back over the last twenty five years, to reflect on the development of the school and to recognise its successes and achievements and said "your school's commitment to its pupils is evident in the care and attention that is provided here for each pupil, with each student being enabled to grow in confidence and to develop a balanced sense of self-worth. This is a testament to the dedicated work of the teaching staff."
 
The Minister noted that, while the school was undoubtedly proud of the academic education offered, it had also built up a strong tradition in activities, outside the classroom, such as sports and music.  In recent years Scoil Áine have been Dublin Champions in the Cumann na mBunscoil football and hurling competitions, they reached the national finals of the Cadbury's NPC Children's Table Quiz in 1995 and 1996 and they have participated in the National Children's Choir series of concerts in 1993, 1995 and 1996.  "You must be very proud of the pupils in the school and indeed the past pupils who have made names for themselves in the fields of sport, education and media" said Minister Hanafin.

Between 1998 and 2005 more than €22 million was provided for major school buildings and modernisation projects in Lucan.  In 2005 Scoil Áine received funding in excess of €110,000 under the Summer Works Scheme to upgrade the play area of the school.

Minister Hanafin was surprised when she heard about the award Scoil Áine presents to the school's Sports person of the Year and said "I am particularly pleased and honoured that you have named the cup which is presented to the Sportsperson of the Year the Mary Hanafin Perpetual Cup."

The Minister concluded by thanking the parents, teachers, students and Board of Management and said "may the next 25 years be as successful for Scoil Áine as the last quarter century."

Ends.