First Minister officially opens new Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh

Strabane’s Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh celebrated a landmark moment last week when First Minister Michelle O’Neill officially opened its brand-new £7.2 million facility on Strahans Road.

The new school is a state of the art facility and one which offers a much enhanced environment for both staff and the school’s 170 pupils.

At the end of the last school year pupils and staff of Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh moved into their new building – a move which marked a new era for Irish language education in the town.

On Friday (October 25) the official opening was attended by local politicians along with Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor Lillian Seenoi Barr as well as First Minister O’Neill who gave a speech and unveiled a plaque.

She said, “Irish-medium education is thriving, and I am honoured to attend the opening of the fantastic new Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane.

“Together, let’s build a brighter future where our young people have the support and resources to achieve their dreams in life. Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí – praise the young and they will flourish.”

Also attending the event was Sinn Féin councillor Antaine Ó Fearghail whose children go to the school. He told the Chronicle that it was a proud day for Irish language education in the town.

“We are so glad we chose Gaeloideachas (Irish Medium Education) for our children,” said Cllr Ó Fearghail.

“Education is a huge priority for us all as parents. We wanted first class education for our boys. In Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh we got just that with the added gift of our native language An Ghaeilge.”

He added, “I can’t sing the praises of this school highly enough for moulding our two boys, giving them great confidence and a sense of being and of course an identity.”

Principal Máire Ní Dhochartaigh outlined her delight at how much pupils and staff are enjoying the new facilities.

“We are so happy to be in our new building and we were delighted to have the first minister hear to open the school officially,” said Máire.

“Friday was a fantastic day and the staff were very proud of the children who performed for the first minister. She spoke about the importance of Irish medium education and its vital place in the North’s schools system.”