A new and very impressive two storey extension at St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan, was blessed and officially opened last Friday, 8th November. The event was attended by staff, students and a number of distinguished guests. Outgoing Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD along with Most Reverend Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan were in attendance as the school welcomes a number of brand new subjects such as Applied Technology and Home Economics. In total, the new extension consists of four new mainstream classrooms, a new Science laboratory, a Home Economics room, a Textiles room, an Applied Technology room, a Technology preparation area, two new DCG rooms, new administration offices, a large locker room as well as student and staff toilets.
Principal of St. Patrick’s Classical School, Mr. Harry McGarry, addressed those in attendance and stated how thrilled he was that this project had finally been completed. He thanked a number of people who were instrumental in seeing the completion of this project including Bishop Deenihan, Fr. Gerry Stuart (Chairperson of the Board of Management ), The Design Team under the leadership of David Cullivan (Gaffney & Cullivan Architects Ltd.), the building contractor, Rodney Brady from RBC Contracting Ltd. and Mr. Des Foley from Meath County Council amongst others. He also mentioned former principals Mr. Brian Kennedy and Mr. Colm O Rourke. Mr. O Rourke received approval for this project back in 2019, Mr Harry McGarry stated, “it was the vision and hard work of Mr. Colm O’Rourke that made this latest project possible. It was Mr. O’Rourke who, in 2019, secured approval under the Additional Accommodation Scheme for this extension we are opening today. His leadership and commitment to the school’s growth laid the foundation for what we see before us now.”
The theme of the day was “Celebrating our Past. Embracing our Future”, and indeed the Most Reverend Bishop Tom Deenihan spoke of his pride in the school and how Catholic ethos based education continues to flourish in modern Ireland. He paid tribute to the diligent work of both the current principal Mr. Harry McGarry and former principal, Mr. Colm O’Rourke.
Bishop Deenihan then blessed the building while Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD cut the ribbon, unveiled the plaque and officially opened the new building.
In what was her last official act as a TD in the 33rd Dáil, Helen McEntee TD spoke about how the investment in this new building was also an investment in the students themselves, stating that “investing in young people is investing in the future”. She also spoke to various students as she enjoyed a tour of the new facilities and tasted some cheesecake that had been prepared in the new Home Economics room.
This project is the start of a series of enhancements that are being made at St. Patrick’s Classical School. In 2024, Mr. McGarry secured approval for an additional €7m expansion under the ASA Scheme, which will see the construction of six Additional Education Needs (AEN) classrooms, ancillary accommodation, and new car-parking facilities. This year also sees the replacement of the school’s All Weather pitch with a top of the line 4G pitch which will be completed very soon.
Mr. Harry McGarry finished off his speech by stating that he was looking forward to this new chapter in the history of St. Patrick’s. Mr. McGarry added “This great school will remain committed to honouring its past while embracing the opportunities of the future, never losing sight of the fact that we are rooted in the values of Catholic education, where we strive to nurture, not only academic excellence, but also the spiritual and moral development of every student who passes through our doors. Together, we are building a vibrant and dynamic community where each student can feel safe and cared for, and can thrive, grow, and contribute to society in a really meaningful way. That is what a Catholic Education is all about, and that is as it should be”.
