O’Dowd visits Gaelscoil UÍ Dhochartaigh in Strabane

Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has hailed the growth and success achieved by Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane.
~ Wednesday, 9 January 2013

The Minister visited the school today, where he enjoyed musical, dance and poetry performances before unveiling a plaque to mark his visit.

Speaking about the school, the Minister said: “Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh has grown from just four pupils in a church in 1997 to a flourishing education provider now serving more than 150 children and still growing.

“The school’s success is down to the hard work and commitment of the Principal and teaching body as well as the support staff, Board of Governors and the parents. It is clear that the school is catering for a real demand for education through the medium of Irish in the Strabane area. And, crucially, the standard of education provided by Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh has been evaluated by inspectors as ‘Good’. Such strong performance is to be applauded.

“During its relatively short lifetime I know the school has developed strong ties with the local community, a feature common to all good schools. I am also encouraged that Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh collaborates with other schools in the locality. This spirit of co-operation is well demonstrated in how the school has developed Chatter Packs – Irish-medium resources for pupils to take home and use with parents and family members – by working closely with other schools.”

In closing, the Minister said: “Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh is a school that is clearly delivering for its pupils. I commend everyone connected with the school and wish them the very best for the future.”