Representatives from Castlelost FlexGen, members of the parents association, board of management, staff, and pupils of St Anne's NS.Back, left to right: Ciarán Geoghegan, Francis Kelly, Paul Collins, Richard Ingham, Ger Connell, Niamh Murphy, Laura Lynch, Deirdre Fay Kelly, Aileen Mulvin, Marcella O'Grady. Front: Caoimhe, Cormac, Katie and Gerard.

Local national school receives 'transformative' €40k donation for new GP room

The school community at St Anne's NS in Tyrrellspass received an early Easter present last week in the form of a €40,000 donation from the firm behind the Castlelost FlexGen energy project.

This "incredibly generous" contribution brings St Anne’s significantly closer to completing its much-needed general purpose room, marking a monumental milestone in the school's journey.

"For years, the parents of St Anne's have been working tirelessly to fundraise for this vital space," said Ger Connell, chairperson of the board of management.

"Thanks to the remarkable generosity of Castlelost FlexGen, this dream is now becoming a reality." The school says that the new general purpose room will be much more than just a place for physical activity. It is poised to become the heart of the school, impacting every aspect of student life. From hosting school assemblies, special occasions, and community events to providing a dedicated space for indoor PE lessons and recreational activities, this multi-purpose room will offer a wealth of benefits.

"Quite frankly," Connell continued, "this space won't be confined by the limitations of the Irish weather. Rain or shine, our pupils will have a place to learn, grow, and play."

The impact extends even further with the imminent opening of two new special classes for children with autism. The general purpose room will provide a vital space for these students throughout the day, offering opportunities for sensory regulation, social interaction, and physical activity.

The school says that "the entire St Anne's family – its exceptional students, dedicated staff, very supportive parents, and board of management – extends its deepest gratitude to Castlelost FlexGen for this transformative contribution. It will no doubt benefit generations of Tyrrellspass students for years to come."