Proud day in Rahealty as rugby star Brian Gleeson returns to where it all began

Rahealty National School was buzzing with excitement as Brian Gleeson was welcomed home to much celebration last Friday morning. Much singing and cheering from the school community and wider Thurles community greeted Brian when he appeared with the Six Nations cup. The Gleeson family were all there too. Pat, Fionnuala, Aoibhe and Ciara, who is in Fifth Class in the school, all enjoyed the occasion.

The principal of Rahealty national school, Edel Kelly-Ryan, addressed those who had assembled: "I feel very privileged and honoured to welcome you all on this very special occasion to acknowledge the unbelievable achievements of our past pupil Brian Gleeson who has made our school community, and of course his family,  so proud.

“During Brian’s primary school years here he was an all-round student but he just loved and excelled in all sports. From early on it was clear to see that Brian was extremely driven. Brian’s rugby success seemed to progress very quickly.

“From chatting with Fionnuala & Pat we were firstly hearing about Rockwell, then the Munster Academy, Ireland U 18 squad and the next we were waiting to hear if he had made the U20 panel. Pat said Brian was hoping to make the 23 match day squad but low and behold the Ireland U20 team was announced with Brian taking the No 8 jersey!

“Well the excitement in school and the joy Brian Gleeson brought to Rahealty over the next couple of months he’ll never know.” the school principal said. On the day Fr Jim Purcell was on hand to offer a special Blessing ahead of the World Cup and lead the singing of Ireland's Call. Everyone joined in.

Edel also thanked Michael Quinlan, who did so much to keep rugby strong in Rahealty National school over the years. She also thanked Noel Dwan and the current rugby coaches in the school, Michael Harty and David Collins. The school is steeped in rugby tradition over the years and also has strong links to Thurles Rugby Club and Munster Rugby.