As the country tentatively steps out of lockdown, the Transition Year Students of Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk have been reflecting on the local frontline workers who have contributed so much to our community, particularly during the pandemic.
While many of us were asked to do our bit by staying at home, our local frontline workers turned up every day, often putting themselves and their safety at risk for the benefit of our community.
Scoil Mhuire’s Transition Years began a gratitude project to acknowledge the extraordinary work of these local heroes.
The students decided to produce gift packages which they then delivered to local organisations and individuals. With the guidance of Home Economics teacher Ms. Frances Guerin the TY Team produced some delicious baked goods. Ms. Regina Brett, the Art teacher at Scoil Mhuire, aided the TY team in creating hand embellished Thank You cards. Ms. Margaret Ahern assisted students in creating bespoke bookmarks for the recipients. Several other goodies were also included in the gift packages, including Scoil Mhuire pens, recipes and a selection of tasty sweets.
Once the gift packages were prepared the students set about delivering them. Students began with a visit to Mercy House, where Sr. Helen accepted a gift package on behalf of the staff and volunteers there who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic providing ‘meals on wheels’ for locals in need.
Students then presented a gift package, on behalf of Scoil Mhuire, to Chris Price and Ben Quirke of the Kanturk Fire Service, in recognition of the vital work they do for our community. A visit was also made to the V. Rev. Canon Toby Bluitt and to Fr. John Magner C.C. The students were thrilled to present their gift packages in grateful appreciation of all they have done to support our community, especially during the pandemic.
The next stop on their visits to local frontline workers was to visit Garda Sergeant Mark Daly. At Scoil Mhuire, students were eager to show their great appreciation for the tremendous efforts of our local Garda Síochána in keeping our community safe, especially during Covid-19. Students also visited Cois Alla, where the staff there were recognised for their diligent dedication to the residents of this local community healthcare centre.
Our local postman, Mr. Dónal Murphy was presented with a gift package in appreciation for his work throughout the pandemic, checking in on the elderly in our community and those living alone while on his rounds.
Transition year students also visited both primary schools in the town. They met with Principal Daniel Woods of the Kanturk Girls’ National School and with Principal Ms. Eilish Finnegan of St. Coleman’s Boys’ School. Students were anxious to acknowledge the great work done by the teachers in our community while working remotely with their students during lockdown.
On the final day of presentations, students of Scoil Mhuire paid a visit to Kanturk Community Hospital and to Kanturk’s Paramedic Services. There they met local Paramedics Terry O’Mahony and Pat Larkin along with Mary O’Connor from Kanturk Hospital. The non-stop diligence and commitment to the care of others by our local HSE workers was inspirational to students.
The final stop was to present a gift package to the Principal Ms. Miriam Downey, who accepted on behalf of the staff of Scoil Mhuire. Students made this presentation in recognition of the tremendous efforts of staff who ensured there was a smooth transition from in-person to online teaching and back again.