Ennis National School

Ennis N.S. 4^th classes proved their musical skills were not just a ‘flash in the pan’ as they performed three separate flash- mobs around the town last Thursday. To mark the last ‘Swinging Strings’ session of the year, the pupils, led by tutor Cathy Desmond, turned up unexpectedly at various locations around Ennis and gave an impromptu musical performance to some rather surprised passers-by.

Our first flash-mob, featuring Ms. McMahon’s 4^th class, took place outside the cathedral at 11.30 a.m. Visitors to the cathedral, and guests from the Old Ground Hotel, gathered around to enjoy the spectacle.

The second flash-mob was performed by Mr. Blake’s 4^th class outside the Gourmet Café on Barrack Street at 12.00. Coffee-drinkers were delighted with the surprise entertainment, along with those who appeared out of nearby offices and shops to investigate the excitement.

After lunch, our final flash-mob featured Mr. Corry’s 4^th class performing outside the Temple Gate Hotel at 1.30pm. Guests leaned out of windows to cheer the children on and give them a round of applause for their unexpected performance. Well done to everyone for a great day !

As the world commemorated the centenary of the Titanic tragedy recently, localman John Bradley of the Irish Titanic Historical Society came to visit Ennis NS. John has gathered a wealth of Titanic material over the years, and has compiled a book of his own. He was one of those who sailed from Cobh on the naval vessel, the L.E. Eithne, at Easter to drop a wreath at the site of the Titanic’s mooring at Roche’s Point.

John told us about Titanic’s design and build, its itinerary from Belfast to Cobh via England and France, and the fact that it was twice the length of Cusack Park. He explained that there was a coal strike in Britain at the time, and the White Star Line cancelled some of its other sailings in order to have enough coal for Titanic.

John spoke about the passengers, including three from Co. Clare who were on board – Mary Agatha Glynn from Killaloe, Martin McMahon from Cragbrien and Daniel Keane from Cratloe. Sadly, only Mary Agatha survived. He finished with one of his favourites stories - that of Irish priest, Fr. Francis Browne - the only person to take photographs of the Titanic at sea.

Ennis N.S. band, along with all the 4^th classes ‘Swinging Strings’ pupils, went to Glór last week for Vladimir Jablokov’s “Classical Twist” performance. Virtuoso violinist Vladimir comes from four generations of professional musicians in Bratislava.

Vladimir with fellow Slovakian John and friend Damien.

He arrived in Ireland in 2004 without a word of English and began busking in Grafton Street. He went on to form the Slovak Dulcimer Ensemble and eventually the Slovak Festival Orchestra. They have since played everywhere from Áras an Uachtaráin to the National Concert Hall to Carnegie Hall in New York.

Saoirse takes part in the question time.

Vladimir developed the Classical Twist – classical pieces with a modern twist – concept in 2010, and has been delighting both school audiences and general audiences all over the country with it since. Our pupils were very impressed with the virtuoso violin playing, and a few brave souls got up on stage to dance along with the music. Hopefully our young violinists were inspired to go home and practise like mad …

Many congratulations to the girls and boys in Second Class who made their First Holy Communion last Saturday, April 21^st.  The ceremony took place in Ennis cathedral at 11a.m. It was a wonderful occasion with everyone looking their best. All the second class pupils sang beautifully, and did readings and prayers wonderfully well. The school choir added to the atmosphere with their lovely singing.

Well done to all the pupils and their teachers for the weeks of hard work in preparing for the “Big Day” – it certainly paid off. Many thanks to the clergy for making it a day to remember.

On Monday evening last, ten teams of aspiring golfers teed up at Woodstock Golf Club for our annual Junior Golf Classic. Boys and girls from fourth, fifth and sixth classes participated in the team of four scramble.  Following a very enjoyable evening's golf, last years winners retained the McD's perpetual cup by a single shot. Pictured below are the winning team of Darren, Harry, Cillian and Ross along with the competition organisers Paul Talty and Tom Glynn.

An Ennis NS past pupil featured in the media this week as an award-winning innovator. Orlaith McMahon, a past pupil of the Reading Class, came in second place nationally in the 3^rd Level Young Entrepreneur awards. A student at the Institute of Technology in Tralee, Orlaith, along with her classmate Mary O’Keeffe, has developed a system whereby childcare staff can record information on a touch screen or computer tablet.

Orlaith met with President Higgins at the awards ceremony. She now hopes to have her project funded through the New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme. Orlaith, we are very proud of you.  Go n-eirí go geal leat !