Ardscoil Phádraig, Granard opens new student recreational space for Longford students

Under this scheme, the school was allocated funding of €4,000 to allow students to plan and organise a creative arts initiative in the school.

Participating schools were designated a Creative Associate/Facilitator from The Arts Council to link in with the school and help plan and coordinate proposals. They were also allocated a Creative Practitioner/Designer to assist in carrying out envisaged work.

Ardscoil Phádraig’s Creative Associate was Ms Aideen McHugh and their Creative Practitioner was Ms Rosie O’Hara, Grey Wizard Design, Longford.

Following a lot of research last year, involving input from the entire school community, students decided to design and create a new social and lunch area in the school, combining an indoor and outdoor space.

Work on the exterior commenced a few months ago with Mr Breslin, Ardscoil Phádraig Wood Technology teacher overseeing the preparation of the site, the installation of a new perspex roof, timber railings and patio doors.

Under the expert guidance of designer Ms Rosie O’Hara students had an active role in the exterior design, painting and finishing, the interior colour scheme and decorative painting, the choice of flooring, furnishings and the construction of new picnic benches. For a number of weeks they were very busy putting the finishing touches to the project and ensuring everything was ready for the official opening on Thursday, May 18.

Ms Aideen McHugh, Creative Associate from The Arts Council of Ireland officially opened the new student space and praised the effort and commitment of everyone involved. She said it was very evident that this project was a whole school approach and that the students were central to the whole process.

The event was a very enjoyable morning where students, staff and invited guests celebrated the opening of the new student space aptly named Seomra Sonas.

A project like this doesn’t happen overnight, and it was with the support of management and staff that made it a success. With clever budgeting, innovative use of materials, upcycling of old school chairs and furnishings they brought the project to fruition.

Ardscoil Phádraig, Granard wish to thank the following people in making the project a success: Ms Aideen McHugh – Arts Council of Ireland, Ms Rosie O’Hara, Designer, School Principal, Mrs Rosemary Johnston, Deputy Principal, Mrs Brid Nevin, Wood Technology teacher, Mr James Breslin and art teacher Ms Mary Cooney who coordinated the project. Thanks to the parents who supported the project by helping to make bean-bags and sourcing the breakfast counter stools. Thanks also to school caretakers, Catherine, John and Mikey and to Shelley Corcoran for taking such lovely photos.

Ardscoil Phádraig students are currently enjoying Seomra Sonas during this good weather and exam students are looking forward to a place where they can unwind and relax during a break from their examinations.

No doubt this Seomra Sonas space will be enjoyed by all students in Ardscoil Phádraig for many years to come.