Michael Commins
MEMORIES of 1936 will be revived when the Sam Maguire Cup (on loan from Cork) returns to Meelickmore National School near Claremorris on next Monday, May 30.
It is all of 75 years ago this September since Mayo team captain Seamus O’Malley, who was then a teacher in Meelickmore, brought the famous cup to the school on that far-off Monday morning after arriving down from Dublin during the night.
Another extraordinary link with that day in 1936 will be cemented even further by the arrival of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to perform the official opening of the new extension to the school. His late father, Henry Kenny, was a member of the 1936 Mayo team that won the Sam Maguire Cup for the very first time.
The teachers, Board of Management and all associated with the school have been busy in recent months preparing for this special day which will also mark 127 years of providing education to the community. Considerable refurbishment work has also been carried out at the school. Fr Peter Gannon will preside at the blessing ceremony.
An open invitation has been extended to all past pupils, parents, staff and anyone with any association with Meelickmore National School, Claremorris to come along for the official ceremony which will take place at 12 noon.
Local representatives and dignitaries will attend along with a few surprise guests.
