Jim Gavin’s return to his primary school, Clonburris NS, was captured by The Echo newspaper and you can see the pictures of his visit via our Flickr page here. Jonny Cooper accompanied Jim for this very special occasion. Photographer Karl Burke captured the visit and thanks to Stephen Leonard of The Echo for providing the pics.
Man of the moment Jim Gavin and the Sam Maguire visited over 2,000 primary school pupils in Clondalkin last Friday as the excitement and enthusiasm following Dublin’s All Ireland Football success continues.
Corner back Jonny Cooper made the journey across the city from Na Fianna to accompany Jim for yet another very special and memorable event.
Seven schools were visited and the enthusiasm, excitement and joy amongst children and staff in the schools helped create fantastic memories for all involved. The seven schools to welcome Jim, Johnny and Sam himself were:
- Gaelscoil na Camóige,
- St Joseph’s Boys National School,
- Sacred Heart National School,
- Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin,
- Scoil Nano Nagle,
- Scoil Talbot,
- Clonburris National School.
Our very own Catherine Moran, Juvenile Chairperson; Paul Faughnan, Round Tower GPO; Noel Kelly, Mark Hampson and Rob Doyle, Juvenile section; and Niall Cooper, County Games Manager, accompanied the triumphant Dublin duo.
"It was an absolutely fantastic and brilliant occasion," Catherine says. "The schools, the kids and their teachers really pulled out all the stops for the occasion. The welcomes received for Jim, Jonny and the Cup were phenomenal. The schools were all decked out on the Dublin colours, with flags and bunting in every hall, corridor and classroom. The kids and staff wore the Dublin colours and there was great excitement and happiness on all their faces."
At St Joseph’s a pipe band provided Jim, Johnny and Sam with a triumphant arrival into the school. Within each of the schools, they were received by hundreds of excited pupils in their respective halls. At Scoil Nano Nagle Towers ladies footballer Aisleen Milton had composed a very special song to mark the occasion and her class sung it to the visiting party.
Of course the visit to Clonburris National School -where Jim was formerly a pupil who played football and hurling very successfully in the green and yellow colours of the school – was always going to be a particularly special visit. Frank Roebuck, a teacher at the school and member of Jim’s backroom team, was on hand to join in the celebrations. Jim’s parents Jimmy senior and Ann were also there to witness the excitement. Jim was surprised with a picture slideshow that brought back memories of his successful years playing Gaelic Games in the school. Having been received in the school hall by hundreds of cheering, singing voices, the visiting party then visited each of Clonburris classes where pictures that will adorn classroom and family home walls for many years to come were taken.
Catherine is fulsome in her praise for Jim and Jonny. "They were so courteous and obliging and I cannot sing their praises high enough," she says. "They were brilliant with the kids and teachers and they’ve created very special memories for very many children. I think the lads themselves were overwhelmed and mezmerized by the enthusiasm of each welcome. On behalf of the club, the pupils and teachers I extend a big thank you to Jim and Jonny."
Each school was presented with a Gaelic football that was signed by Jim. Given time limitations, there was only opportunity to visit a limited number of schools. However plans are being put in place to visit other local schools and plans will be made with them accordingly.
Parents of children interested in playing Gaelic Games with Round Tower GAA Club are encouraged to contact our Juvenile section. Catherine and Noel Kelly can be contacted at 086 8303207 and 087 6567942.
