The Irish-medium community in Strabane had cause for celebration last week at the official opening of the new Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh school building. At a cost of over £7 million the new building represents an important milestone for the development of Irish-medium education in Strabane, since the establishment of the original school in 1997.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, MLA officiated at the opening ceremony, where those in attendance were treated to musical performances from the talented children of Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh.
The Mayor of Derry & Strabane, Lilian Seenoi-Barr was also in attendance, as were former and current members of the Board of Governors, parents, past pupils and officials from the Education Authority and the Department of Education.
Maria Thomasson, CEO of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta also attended the opening and spoke of the impact that the new facilities would have on the children and staff of Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh;
‘I am delighted that after many years, the Irish-medium community in Strabane has the facilities that they deserve. It is testament to the work of the school governors and staff that children attending Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh now have access to excellent facilities in a beautiful setting. I wish the entire Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh family all the very best in the years to come, and look forward to attending similar events in other Irish-medium communities in the coming years.’
