DCS Celebrates 50 Years🎉
In Jan 2024, here in DCS we celebrated a milestone - our 50th anniversary. We celebrated the last five decades in a beautiful ceremony with close to 300 people in attendance from our wider community.
As guests arrived, a photographic collage of the 5 decades of DCS was playing on the big screen, evoking memories of days gone by….school tour images, team photos, staff v student soccer matches….staff members looking a lot younger…
The official ceremony began with the audience captivated by a blend of speakers and video clips showcasing the development, growth and ethos of the school over the years. Key note speakers included the Lord Mayor, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Principal Pat Barry, Chairperson of the Board of Management, Ms Mary Shields, Mr Jim O’Sullivan, representative of the Cork ETB and President of ACS, Mr James Duignan. A reading about life long learning from 5th Yr student Michael Morley reminded us that “ the best thing for being sad… is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails.”
Our MC for the afternoon, Deputy Principal, Mr Chris Hickey, introduced a delightful “Video of Time Capsule” which our 1st Years have been working so diligently on. Many significant items featured in this time capsule from a mobile phone to the DCS 50 Year Anniversary publication to black socks!
Next up were some heartwarming fireside chats with retired teachers Mr Jim Maddock, Mr Brian O’Connor and Ms Máire Thomason, past pupil James O’Connor, recipient of Gradam an PhrĂomhoide and finally Ms Martina Nash, proud parent of 5 sons who all attended DCS. James’ closing words on his time in DCS struck a chord with us all….”We won’t ever have equality of circumstance but we always have equality of opportunity”
The video clips finished with our tree planting ceremony to commemorate this auspicious occasion narrated by School Chaplain, Ms Anne Barry Murphy. This featured our longest serving members of staff, Ms Mary Maguire, Mr Ciarán O’Cuanacháin, Mr Jim Bowles and Ms Marguerite Sheehan.
The Bishop of Diocese of Cork and Ross, Bishop Fintan Gavin gave the school his blessing and we were honoured to have in attendance Minister for Finance Michael McGrath and Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland who both took time from their extremely busy schedules to celebrate with us.
Adding to the event were some uplifting tunes by the DCS traditional music group expertly accompanied by past teachers Mr Con O’Drisceoil and Mr Brian McAodh.
The unveiling of the custom designed plaque to commemorate the occasion, was performed by past principals of the school, Mr Bernard Horgan, Mr Jim Long and Vice Principal, Mr John O’Connell along with current Prinicipal Mr Pat Barry and Deputy Principal Mr Chris Hickey.
Finally, our honourable Lord Mayor led a rendition of Happy Birthday upon the cutting of the magnificent DCS 50th birthday cake.
All present retired to our front assembly area which had been transformed into a function room befitting of the occasion for some refreshments. There was much reminiscing, stories and banter in a catch up with former colleagues, past pupils and all our distinguished guests.
Ms Aileen Goulding must be mentioned for her attention to detail, positivity and the enthusiasm she brought to the occasion as well as Mr Cian O’Mahony who connected with so many people to make this heartwarming event happen. Other honorable mentions must go to our secretary, Ms Margueritte Sheehan, the Editor of the DCS Press, Ms Annette Millard, the musical arranger, Ms Elaine Clifford and Mr Ger McNamara for his workmanship on the commemorative plaque.
This was truly a wonderful occasion, one we all feel privileged to have played a part in. On the night, our Lord Mayor reminded us that “Life is full of Stories” and the story of our historic 50th Celebration will definitely be a story to tell.
