On Monday , September 23rd 2013 , the Blog paid an official visit to both the Boys and the Girls National Schools in Togher. Fergal Dennehy had set up the meeting with the Boys Principal Jack Durkin and Vice Principal Teresa Allen had contacted the Togher Historical Association through Facebook to arrange a meeting with the Principal of the Girls School - Mrs. O'Driscoll. So it was at 12 O'Clock that Billy O'Brien Past Pupil ( 1971 - 1979 ) entered the grounds of Togher BNS for the first time in over 30 years!
The meeting with Jack Durkin was very pleasant and rewarding , as he entertained with tales of various Teachers and gave some valuable insight into the Board of Management. Jack was very enthralled by the Association's research to date and more than impressed by their collection of old photographs and maps. Of course most of the interview will have to remain private , but special mention was given to Author Tom O'Keeffe and Past Principal Flor Dullea. He suggested a possible end of 3rd Term tour for the 5th and 6th Classes. This is now in the pipeline with hopes to extend it to a full day of events with the Togher Historical Association for hopefully March - 2015.
Billy O'Brien was next introduced to the Schools Caretaker - Pat. An incredibly amiable and likeable character , he went out of his way to be helpful - giving the Blog full access to the Schools Archives. A promise was made to return to scan as much of this material as possible.
Next port of call was the Principal of the Togher GNS - Mrs. O'Driscoll . Having first been met by Vice Principal Teresa Allen , Billy O'Brien had an in-depth conversation in the Principals Office where the Blog's Portfolio was discussed and poured over by both. Mrs. O'Driscoll is a native of Togher and has many a story to share and tell. Again , a plan to host a tour and talk with the students of 5th and 6th Classes for March 2015 is being worked on.
All in all , the experience was a good one and hopefully will be of mutual benefit to the Schools and the Historical Association. It also served as a primer for future Fieldwork Research Trips.
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