On Thursday 15th September, the students and staff of Ardscoil Rís had the pleasure of being a part of the opening celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the school. It is truly a landmark year and reflects on how far the school has come academically, as well as in sport.

Guests today included the Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, representatives from The Christian Brothers, ERST, the ASR Board of Management, the Past Pupils’ Union, the Parents’ Council, local principals, past principals and vice principals of the school as well as retired staff.

The ceremony began with a very well executed piano performance of ‘No Time To Die’, by Billie Eilish, from the James Bond Film of the same name. The piece was performed by Sean McHugh. This was one of the many great performances by a plethora of musicians over the ceremony.

Mr. Carroll, a long time member of the staff and the MC today continued the proceedings beginning with an amusing mini- film playing off the opening scene of the Star Wars films. A brief history of Ardscoil Rís was given and then Mr. Carroll began talking about the year 1972, the year the school was opened. He spoke of the technology at the time and popular films, like The Godfather.This ‘Reeling in the Years’ would be a recurring theme throughout the proceedings. He spoke about music in the 1970s and with that, a 1970s song performed by senior students began.Once again another great performance.

The proceedings continued with the introduction of Tony Daly, a retired teacher at Ardscoil Rís. Mr. Daly explained how he had been a teacher on the first school day at the school and retired in 2010. He told stories that had happened over the years and a little bit more on the history of the school.

After Mr. Daly finished speaking, Mr. Carrol continued, going through the 1980s and 1990s; the recession, technology at the time like the Gameboy, the Stardust fire in 1981, the Troubles  and other significant events over the two decades. He talked about the rise of Ardscoil Rís as a major sports school in Dublin; how just 7 years after the school opened they won the prestigious Hogan Cup, and would dominate school GAA competitions for many years to come.

Naoise McHugh played his very own song ‘Reflection’ on the piano, with Ms. Kelly leading a tribute to the people from the school community that have passed away. A truly lovely piece played with grace and skill.

Mr. Carroll continued the Opening Ceremony with the 2000s and 2010s. He spoke of renovations to the school that allowed capacity to increase and sports within the school continuing to excel. He talked of the addition of social media and modern technology to modern life and how it changed things whether it was for the better or worse.

Then, the now officially retired Mr. Dowling came on to officially say goodbye to the students and staff of Ardscoil Rís. Mr. Dowling has been a servant to the school and a great teacher liked by all in and around Ardscoil Rís. We wish him the best of luck on his future endeavours and hope that he enjoys a well deserved retirement.

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell was kind enough to attend the ceremony today. He was invited on stage and was happy to pray and say a few words about the occasion.

The event drew to a close with a few words from our Principal, Mr. McHugh, and with a performance of ‘May We Never Have To Say Goodbye’ sung by David Downes with Ms. Kelly on piano and Ms. Farrelly on guitar. A really nice way to end the ceremony.

Overall a momentous occasion for the school and a credit to all involved organising it. A very well done to the brilliant musicians involved-

Eoin Burke on the Cajon drum

Naoise McHugh on the piano

Sean McHugh on the piano

Seanan Atkinson on the guitar

Ms. Farrelly on the guitar

Sean o’Kane on the bass guitar

David Downes- vocals

Daire Canny- vocals

Ms. Kelly- piano

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The second day of the 50th Anniversary celebrations took place today, Friday 16th September in the form of a student Fun Day. Every year group enjoyed taking part in football matches, playing on inflatables and taking part in Bingo. All of the events took place in the Sports Hall and school pitches. We were very lucky to have beautiful, sunny weather for the day and we even had an ice cream van visit the school.

The school community really enjoyed the opening of the 50th Anniversary celebrations and we all look forward to more events over the next few months.

A Brief History of Ardscoil Rís

Ardscoil Rís was officially opened by President Eamon de Valera on the 21st November 1972. The name of the school was chosen to honour the memory of Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers- Ardscoil Rís translates to Rice High School. The idea for building the school began with the Christian Brothers agreeing to buy a suitably large area of land from the Trustees of the O’Brien Institute, locally referred to as the O.B.I., now H.Q. of Dublin Fire Brigade.

Free education had only recently been introduced in 1967 and with a growing population local schools like St. Joseph’s Fairview and St. David’s Artane were already at maximum capacity. A strong case was made to the Department of Education by the Christian Brothers for a new school in the parish of Marino.

In September 1972 Ardscoil Rís opened its doors to 241 pupils. First preference was given to boarders from the O.B.I. and to boys from Marino parish. Many of the Brothers and lay teachers who taught in the O.B.I. continued working in Ardscoil Rís. The school is currently at full capacity of over 550 pupils.

Written by Henry Sherlock, 5th Year and Gavin deRoiste, 4th Year

ASR News Team