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The first day of school across county Longford this past week was filled with excitement, anticipation and a few nervous butterflies.
For young children, it is the beginning of a brand-new education adventure, filled with new faces and exciting things to discover.
At Melview NS and Gaeilscoil Longfoirt the children could be seeing proudly carry their little bags and dressed in their new uniforms.
For parents, watching their child take those first steps into school it brought a mixture of pride and perhaps a little worry.
Official figures from the Department of Education revealed that 9,694 students are enrolled in Longford schools 5,156 (primary, including special schools) and 4,538 (post primary), with 567 junior infants beginning their primary education and 810 starting 1st year at post-primary.
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1. First day at school
Melview National School Principal Byran Kennedy with Leo Flaherty and Nichola Smyth on the first day of school | Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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2. First day at school
Shane Kelly and Lyndsey Magee with Kayden Kelly at Melview NS | Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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3. First day at school
Angela, Mila, Aaron and Joey Duke soaking up the first day at school excitement at Gaelscoil Longfoirt | Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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4. First day at school
Patrick McDonagh stands proudly in his Gaelscoil Longfoirt uniform along with his Spiderman schoolbag | Picture: Shelley Corcoran