As the sun shone down over Kilnagross, a group of almost 30 children, staff and adults began their cycle from the school to Sheemore, a 12km round trip. With a Garda escort to the front and a first aider to the back, the group enjoyed the scenic route to Sheemore. When the younger pupils joined us at Sheemore by bus, we all began the climb to the first tier of the hill of Sheemore. This event was the culmination of a bio-diversity and heritage project, ran in partnership with Dr. Mairéad Hurley of Trinity College Dublin and local artist Edwina Guckian.
On arrival to the foot of Sheemore, we were greeted with the sounds of local musicians who awaited us at the first Hawthorn Tree, which was beautifully decorated with colourful ribbons and bunting. The children were able to hang their birds from this same tree, which they had created under the guidance of Edwina, Mairéad and the staff of Kilnagross NS. We all enjoyed a picnic surrounded by music, song and dance and the day was perfectly finished off with the arrival of the ice-cream van.
The cyclists then began their journey back to the school, still at a very steady pace. Not even the initial cycle or the day’s heat would put them off!
Thank you to everyone who assisted on the day, the local musicians, stewards, volunteers, first aiders, parents and wider community. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.
