Dr. Pat Wallace Director of the National Museum officiated at the closing ceremony of Gaelcholáiste Cill Chúrnáin on Friday 13th July. It was a very special occasion attended by students of Cúrsa C, parents, parishioners and Fr. John Madigan, Seattle, USA. Dr. Wallace shared memories of his schooldays and of his wonderful teachers: Master O’Shea and Ms. O’Sullivan who instilled in him the love of the language. Dr. Wallace delivered his speech in Irish and English. His stories entertained us all! Maria Blackwell (Askeaton) and Marie Ryan (Pallasgreen), who was the outright winner of the TV programme ‘Feis and Blood’, played the fiddle, along with the talented Daly family: Mike, Siobhán, Fiona and Paddy (Dereen, Kilcornan). Three generations of musicians entertained the staff late into the night at the function in the Old Stand, Shanagolden. Mrs. Cantillon was thrilled with the huge number of students attending across the three weeks and commended the teaching staff and cuntóirí highly. She thanked members of the community council, Mr. Randal Howlett for his support along with Mr. Mike Nash, Mr. John Nash, Madigan’s coaches and all the local organisations with whom the Irish College is linked. The McDonnell family attended for the presentation of the Gerard Mc Donnell Perpetual Shield to Ms. Heather Keane (Pallaskenry), teacher at the Gaelcholáiste for her outstanding dedication to the Irish language – Beatha teanga í a labháirt!