Recognising the challenges that Covid and lockdowns presented to all age groups, Naíonra Thomáis Dáibhís (the pre-school through the medium of the Irish language, based at Mallow GAA Complex) came together during the first term of the pre-school year to unite and support all ages within the community. Young children bring huge life and energy to a community (beoacht agus fuinneamh), yet this age group missed out on so much of their social development during Covid. Parents and grandparents also lost that very close contact and social interaction and of course our elderly population found themselves isolated and cocooned. Taking their cue from the energy of the pre-school children, Máire and her teachers invited past pupils from Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís, parents, grandparents and child-minders, to join them once a week for a mindful walk. After a fun warm-up, groups each week were so lucky to meet and enjoy, not alone the walk, but the chat and an opportunity to make new friendships, being so lucky with getting a fine day each week and of course blessed in their wonderful surrounding at the GAA Complex.
From this activity grew a parent group of cairde an Naíonra, ‘Pobal Beo’, and this week sees this enthusiastic group of parents come together to organise a coffee morning in aid of Mallow Day Care Centre. Naíonra Thomáis Dáibhís has always supported a charity at Christmas-time and this year we bring the three strands of life together in our coffee morning at the Gallery Bar this Friday from 10am-12pm. Buíochas to Stephen at the Gallery Bar for his support.
Máire Uí Bhriain, speaking at a meeting prior to the coffee morning, said, “It is a privilege for Naíonra Thomáis Dáibhís to unite three generations over the last number of weeks. Early years are seen as supporting the young child, but we must always remember that, for that child to grow and flourish, it takes the love of family and the wisdom of age. We here at the Naíonra have the real meaning of Pobal Beo (living community).
“Céad míle fáilte to our coffee morning this Friday, 9th December, agus buíochas ó chroí to our parents’ group for all their support with this project”.
Naíonra Thomáis Dáibhís, sessional service has now opened its enrolments for September 2023 for children aged 2 years 8 months and upwards. Further information from Máire at 086-3233 779 or naionratd@gmail.com
Beannachtaí na Nollaig dóibh go léir.