Tom Meaney Public Speaking Prize

Noreen Meaney visited the school on May 9th to present a public speaking trophy on behalf of the Meaney family, Derrinagree, in memory of her father, Tom Meaney, former TD and community activist. Noreen recalled how Tom had a huge interest in education and also saw the value of public speaking. Noreen said, “he was an old school politician, so needed to be able to martial his thoughts on a topic and be prepared to speak on an issue without notes. He was instrumental in establishing the community schol in Millstreet and was one of the many progressive local people who helped seize the opportunity to build a new, modern school, one that continues to serve the people of Millstreet so well. It’s fitting that this trophy remembers his committment to education and his love of the art of public speaking.”

Michael Thornton, parents’ representative on the Board of management, also presented a set of trophies which will serve as individual prizes. Mr O’Síodhcháin thanked Noreen and Michael, and explained that these prizes would help maintain the school’s tradition of helping to build key life skills as well as fostering confidence and self-belief in all students.