President Connolly visits island schools in Donegal

President Catherine Connolly visited island school communities on Árainn Mhór and Toraigh as part of her second official trip to Donegal this week.

At Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada on Árainn Mhór she met students and teachers from the secondary school and the island’s two primary schools, Scoil Athpoirt and Scoil na Léibe. Pupils spoke about achievements such as wins at the Rubbish Film Festival, participation in Donegal ETB’s Enterprise Day, BT Young Scientist projects, student‑ambassador roles on Donegal Youth Council, ATLIC Blue Economy work and a sustainable garden.

Student Raonaid Ní Ghallachóir performed the local song “Uaigh Cois na Trá”, and the three schools together recited a newly composed poem “Labharann an tOileán” in Gaeilge, English, Bengali, Krio, Ukrainian and Arabic before returning to Gaeilge.

The visit concluded with tea, refreshments and informal conversation accompanied by music from the school’s student music group.

Visit to Toraigh

President Connolly then toured Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille on Toraigh, speaking with students and staff about island school life. She viewed crafts and artwork and listened to traditional Toraigh céilí music. The school presented her with a book of island prayers and reflections compiled in Gaeilge.

Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada principal Derval Newman described the day as “remarkable” and praised the students’ confidence, while Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille principal Patrick Queenan said the school was “extremely honoured” to host the President.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: John Cheathem / Pexels.