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A Day to Remember

Enda Kenny’s visit to the Royal

October was a very busy month for the school. On the 24th of October 2011 the present
Taoiseach of Ireland, Enda Kenny made a visit to the Royal School Cavan as a celebration
of the 400 year anniversary of the school. He wanted to see the school, its staff and pupils
and everyone was very excited awaiting his arrival.
The school was decorated with the pupils’ art work and achievements ready for the
Taoiseacht’s tour around the school. He arrived at around 3:20 and the pupils, teachers,
staff and some members of the Board of Governors and Management had all gathered in
the schoolroom.
Mr E. Lindsay the Headmaster made a welcoming speech and then Mr Enda Kenny himself
made an inspiring speech directed mainly at the pupils but also at the staff, about how
the pupils now are the next generation and how fast the world is changing.
He spoke of the school’s intriguing history and also talked about a hopeful future. He
made reference to Barack Obama’s familiar quote, “dream big dreams”, and encouraged
us all to follow that mantra.

Various presentations were then made to Mr. Kenny, including gifts from the Transition
Year Mini- Companies. Hope Jameson, a Student Council member and Managing Director
of Name It, presented Mr. Kenny with a uniquely embroidered Christmas stocking
especially designed for his wife Fionnula, and T-shirt with his name on it. ET Craftz also
gave him a beautifully crafted thank-you card. The school choir then sang a wonderful
rendition of “May the Road Rise to Meet You”, led by Miss Woods.
After the Assembly, Mr. Kenny unveiled a plaque to mark the event of his visit to the
school. Afterwards he was shown around the school by Mr Lindsay and other members of
the Student Council. He saw some fantastic artwork on display, visited various classrooms
and even played a shot of pool! He shook hands with numerous students and was very
friendly with us all.
It was an exciting day for us all to meet the Irish leader and we thank him for taking the
time to come and visit our little school in Cavan!
By Emmeline Cosnett & Toluse Akinlabi

32 The Royal Times 2011-2012