GOLA Island School, which faithfully served the island community until its closure in 1966, was the theme of the 25th Féile Ghabhla.
At the opening of the féile in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair last Friday, Sile Uí Ghallchóir Chairperson of Coiste Forbartha Ghabhla gave a talk on the history of the school.
The gathering brought former pupils and island descendants to celebrate a unique chapter in the history of Gola.
A lovely display of old photographs which was organised by Máirín Uí Fherarraigh was displayed.
Síle Uí Ghallchóir said work got underway in building the school in 1846 and it opened two years later. She said the little school stood at the heart of island life. ‘It was where lifelong friendships were formed, where the Irish language flourished naturally and where the traditions and culture of Gola were passed from one generation to the next’, she added.
She said there was a population of 68 people on the island in 1841 and ten years later this figure doubled to 143 and in 1911 it was up to 169. When the exodus from the island to the mainland began in the early 1960’s and with the dwindling number of children attending the school, there was no option but to close it.
Síle listed all the teachers who taught in the school down through the years.
They would normally stayed on the island throughout and would return home at the weekends. The teacher who turned the key of the door for the last time was the late Síle [Frank] McGinley who was born on the island. Two former islanders, Eddie Joe McGee, Cotteen and Patrick [Padán] O’Donnell, Knockastolar spoke and recalled the light hearted moments and events which occurred during their years at the school.
Sonia Nic Giolla Easpuig said she bought the school twenty years ago and that she has received planning permission to refurbish the old schoolhouse. She added that she will retain the structure as it is.
It was planned to have a Mass celebrated by Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir at the pier on Sunday and afterwards walk to the school and rekindle fond memories of the days gone by but this had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions on the day.
The weekend ‘s commemoration ensured that the memories of Gola Island School will live on.
It was a celebration not only of school building, but a proud
community whose history continues to hold a special place in the hearts of all with connections to the island.
Cousins Síle B Ní Ghallchóir and Eimear Mhic Giolla Bhríde.
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