Presentation Secondary School at 75, the foundation of the convent and a few local people

Listowel Garda Station

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This is Fr. Martin Hagerty whom I often meet on his daily walk through Gurtinard Wood. Fr. Martin is retired but helps out in the parish. His active lifestyle in retirement is an example to us all.

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Pres at 75

Presentation Secondary School, Listowel is 75 years old and plans are afoot to celebrate. A book encompassing the history, life and times of the school is planned. If you are a past pupil or former staff member and you have a memory or a  photograph you would like to share we'd love to have it. We are particularly interested in hearing from older past pupils.

Above are just a few of the steering committee pictured with two present pupils at the launch of the celebrations.

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Presentation Education In Listowel....the beginning

(Jer. Kennelly has been trawling through the papers for us and I will be bringing you some of the nuggets that he has dug up.)

Kerry Weekly Reporter; Saturday, July 14, 1883

LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF THE LISTOWEL .NEW CONVENT SCHOOLS.

A very interesting ceremony took place in Listowel on the occasion of laying the foundation of the new Convent Schools. The good Sisters have long felt the want of more extending accommodation for the number of children daily increasing who flock to receive the benefit of the grand religious and intellectual teaching for which the Presentation Order is so famous. 

Sometime last year a committee was formed to collect funds to enable the Sisters to build additional schools, and their efforts have been so far successful. But it is not alone in the district that material help has been sent for the goodwork. The exiled people of the old schools, not unmindful of the advantages conferred on them by their early teachers, have handsomely subscribed. Contributions have been received from America, from residents in the crowded cities of the Atlantic sea-board, as well as from the towns and cities on the golden slopes of the Pacific.   Kerry girls dwelling in far away Australia, under the shadow of the Southern Cross, have been as generous as their American friends.

The Very Rev. Canon Davis, P.P., performed the ceremony of laying the first stone of the intended new schools in the presence of all the Sisters and about 500 of the school children, who marched in procession, headed by a beautiful emblematic banner, painted specially for the occasion.

Amongst those present were—J. Stack, T.C., J. Maguire;, P. S. Griffin, T.C., W. Forde, etc.

The building, which is to be 100 feet long, and 30 feet high, with an entrance porch and high enclosed playground walls, has been designed by Mr. James Scanlon, of Dublin, and will be a fine specimen of the architecture of its class.

The contract has been entrusted to Mr William M'Mahon, a local builder, whose character for executing such works, stands very high. The banner borne by the children was painted by Mr J. Moynihan of this town, and its superior finish reflects great credit on the artist, and was specially admired. It bore the following inscription in gold letters: — . Stretch forth, 0 Lord, Thy hand in Benediction Upon all this work and all who in it aid, While under shade of thy sweet heart's protection, The foundation stone upon this day is laid.

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Listowel Ladies

I met Marie Galvin and Helen Kenny in The Square on their way to their Bridge Club

I met these lovely ladies helping out in the St. Vincent de Paul shop.

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Words of Wisdom from my Calendar

We could all take a lesson from the weather. 
It pays no attention to criticism.