Today was a historic day for Bunscoil Chriost Ri and Colaiste Chriost Ri, as Taoiseach Micheal Martin paid an official visit to the primary and secondary schools where he was a student.

Principal of Colaiste Chriost Ri, Padraig Mac An Ri, in welcoming An Taoiseach to CCR, paid tribute to his record of public service and great leadership, especially during the pandemic. Addressing a large audience of staff, former staff, representatives of the Presentation Brothers, P.B.S.T., and parents, Mr. Mac An Ri directed his comments principally to the students: “This is a historic day for our school. We have a very special spirit here. We are honoured that the Taoiseach, our past pupil, is among us this morning and we look forward to his address to us”.

An Taoiseach recalled very happy days as a student in SCR & CCR, where Br. Colm inspired his interest in history and Tony Power’s English class introduced him to the world of current affairs and debating. Just returned from a very successful visit to the U.N. in New York, where he addressed the General Assembly and chaired a meeting of the Security Council, An Taoiseach encouraged the young people to reflect on the Presentation ethos of Chriost Ri and to commit to the values of community and service.

Liam Shorten, Deputy Principal, was MC for this special ceremony. We had a warm and beautiful tribute from former staff member Tony Power, and an outstanding speech from student Daniel Bevan. Chairperson of the Board of Management, Maria Walk, and Br. Ray Dwyer, Province Leader, Presentation Brothers, were also part of the official welcoming party.

Principal Mac An Ri concluded his remarks with a beautiful blessing prayer for leaders, from poet and spiritual writer, John O’Donohue.

La d’ar saol! All in the Chriost Ri and Presentation Families wish An Taoiseach well in his continuing endeavours on behalf of our country, at this critical time. Rath De ar an obair! Ri Abu!

Comhghairdeas to all who organised such wonderful ceremonies this morning!

L to R: Br. Martin Kenneally (Board of Management); M. O Ciardha (former Principal); S.O.Cathalan (former Principal); An Taoiseach: P. Mac An Ri (Principal)

Br. Bede Minehane (former teacher CCR) with An Taoiseach.

Br. Patrick Fitzgibbon and Kevin Cummins chat with An Taoiseach.