Last month people from far and wide gathered in Killusty to mark the closure of the National School. Some families made the trip from England and one from Australia to support the event. Killusty village looked beautiful in spite of the recent damage to Slievenamon, as people arrived to the church on the lovely sunny morning, belying the trauma that had occurred in the environs of late. Mass was concelebrated by Father Liam Everard PP and Father Henry MacNamara OSA, and it was great to see Father Tom Breen join the congregation. Bernard Feery, Chairperson of the Parents Association, welcomed everyone and while referring to the disappointment of the school closure he commended the principal, Sarah O’Sullivan, for her tenacity during this difficult time. He then invited Christy Williams, school gardener and great friend to the school community to bring the school Register to the altar. This document contains the name of every child who attended the school. Ciara Holohan then lit the remembrance candle leading us to recall those who formed the school’s communities of the past. Ewa Feery and Ann D’Arcy (staff) and the last four pupils of the school, Hazel Holohan, Zara Thompson, Rowan Holohan and Olivia Feery then brought gifts to the altar, the significance of which was communicated by Fionnuala Holohan. Principal Sarah O’Sullivan and the two previous principals Danny Kane and Frances Harrington then read the readings. Father Liam Everard, Parish Priest, spoke fondly of Killusty and its community in his homily. He very much enjoyed his weekly visits to the school for prayers and meditation with the children and remarked on the welcome atmosphere which always prevailed. He paid special tribute to Sarah O’Sullivan for her commitment over the years and her tireless efforts to do what was best for the school, her staff and pupils. Prayers of the Faithful were read by present staff Mary Keane, Rita Kenny, and Michelle Coffey. The Offertory followed with Mary Donovan and Sean Aylward bringing the bread and wine to the altar. After Communion Danny Kane and Damian Byrne, Parents Association, both read reflections. As the ceremony drew to a close, Willie Prout, Chairperson of the Board of Management, addressed the crowd. His great pride in the village and the school was palpable, and he expressed the communal disappointment and sadness at the closure at this time. He thanked the parish priests and the school staff, the parents, and especially Sarah, for their cooperation and dedication to the school over the years. He said a special thank you to Fr. Breen who he said was a great support to him during his early years on the Board of Management. Sarah O’Sullivan, Principal since February 3, 2014, delivered her final message with grace and sincerity. She recalled happy times and events in the school and then unfortunately her disappointment and dismay at this recent turn of events. She thanked all of those who supported her so well over the years; the parish clergy, sacristans Ann Kenny and Dermot O’Donnell, the Board of Management, the Parents Association, gardener Christy Williams, her staff and pupils and the local community. Her love of the school and her fondness for her pupils was very evident as she spoke. After the final hymn, the tolling of a bell could be heard from outside as Johnny Sheehan, the oldest remaining past pupil, brought proceedings to a close by ringing the Killusty School bell for the last time. A poignant moment, but spirits were lifted again as people gathered again in the school for refreshments and lots of talking and remembering.
