Accony School

Reunion 2009

Click here to see pictures (redirects to Picasa Web Album)

The Accony School Reunion was held on Saturday July 18th, 2009. As the weather was mixed, the committee wisely decided to hire a marquee for the day. It was festooned in balloons of different colours when we arrived at the school. A covered altar was set up at the east gable as well as a covered area for the young choir. Marshalls directed traffice at several points near the school and everything went like clockwork.

Before the formal events started, everyone had a chance to meet and walk through their old "alma mater" once more. A visitor's book was there to record the names for future generations.

The timetable for the day was:

3.00pm    Gathering at the School

4.00pm    Mass, celebrated by Fr. Pat O'Malley, Doughmakeon; Fr. Tony Burke, Doughmakeon, Pulgloss and Hallam Diocese (UK); Fr. O'Leary, Louisburgh. Amy Kerrigan (Pulgloss) and Sean Lyons (Askelane) served Mass.

Fr. Pat gave a moving talk, with particular reference to an inscription he once saw on a grave - "They did their best for us" which could equally be applied to all our ancestors. He asked that we develop this web-site to embrace and involve the young people of the area who are making us all proud of their achievements in sport, music and the arts, academic pursuits, farming, fishing, industry, etc., etc.

A beautiful plaque was blessed for the "Killeen" in Askelane. This was an extremely emotional moment, as Austin O'Malley (Doughmakeon) read a prayer for the children and others who were buried there. The plaque will be permanently located at the Killeen itself. 

A tree was also blessed and has now been planted at the school as a permanent commemoration of the day.

Pat Prendergast (Accony) thanked all the people involved in making the Reunion a huge success, the committee members, sub-committee members, local families, and in particular the past pupils and their families who travelled from all over the world. Thanks Yourself Pat - it would never have happened without your vision and drive!

5.00pm    Teas/ Cofees and light refreshments

DERRYLAHAN:

6.30pm    Reception in the Derrylahan, Louisburgh

7.00pm    A lovely Buffet was enjoyed by all, well-organised and served with the efficiency and courtesy that we always get in the Derrylahan.

8.30pm    Traditional Music Session with local musicians and an Irish dancing interlude with the brilliant Morrison sisters.

9.30pm  - 12.30am  Dancing with Music by the "Duets" 

REUNION BOOK:

The Accony School Reunion Commemorative Book was launched in Ó Dufaigh's Bar, Bridge Street, Louisburgh on Friday 17th July 2009.  It is full of interviews, articles, memories, photographs old and new, but is now fully sold out. You can download an electronic version (Adobe pdf file) and store or print it - click here to go to our home page which has all the downloading information.

Towards the end of the mass at the school, July 18, 2009.

Please e-mail Pat Prendergast on acconymayo@hotmail.com or John McHale john@acconyschool.com  with any suggestions on how to develop the web site and any other comments.

Drop in to Duffy's in Louisburgh - you will be sure of a big welcome!!!