A momentous occasion unfolded today as Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s new campus in Cloon More, Tralee was officially opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley. The event marked the culmination of years of planning and development, and is a new chapter for Irish-medium education in Tralee.
Minister Foley expressed her pride and excitement in seeing the project come to fruition. “Tá fíor-áthas orm a bheith anseo chun an ócáid speisialta seo, do Ghaelcholáiste Chiarraí, a chomóradh. I am very happy to be here today to celebrate this special occasion for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. Enormous credit is due to the leadership in the school, the absolute determination of the staff, their Board of Management and the great leadership of Kerry ETB and the wider community to deliver this magnificent new Gaelcholáiste.”
Chairperson of Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB), Cllr. Norma Moriarty also spoke at the event, emphasising the significance of this development for the community. “The opening of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s new campus is a milestone for education in Kerry. It represents our commitment to fostering the Irish language and providing students with an environment where they can thrive academically and culturally. We are proud to support this institution as it continues to grow and succeed.”
The ceremony was attended by students, staff, local dignitaries, and representatives from the wider community and Kerry ETB. Principal Ruairí Ó Cinnéide, welcomed Minister Foley and the gathered guests. “Today is a proud day for our school. This new campus represents not just a physical move, but a step forward in our mission to provide the best possible education through the medium of Irish. We are immensely grateful to Minister Foley for her ongoing support and for officially opening our new home.”
The new building is equipped with modern facilities, including advanced science, engineering, and computer labs, a spacious sports hall and gymnasium, an indoor and outdoor art room, textile room, spacious library and an outdoor area for students to enjoy. These facilities are designed to enhance the educational experience and provide students with the tools they need to excel in their studies and extracurricular activities.
In her address, Ann O’Dwyer Director of School Youth and Music highlighted the importance of the new campus in supporting the growing demand for Irish-medium education in the region. “Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and this new campus will enable the school to continue its vital role in promoting the Irish language and culture. The investment in this facility is an investment in our future, ensuring that our young people have access to the best possible state of the art resources as they pursue their education.”
The event was also an opportunity to reflect on the history of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, which has been a pillar of the Irish language community in Tralee for over three decades. As the ceremony concluded, there was a sense of optimism and excitement about what the future holds for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. The new campus is not just a building, but a symbol of the school’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education through Irish and fostering a strong sense of community among its students and staff.
