The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar officially opened the new Scoil Chríost Rí in Cloughleigh, Ennis this morning.
The event was also attended by pupils, teachers and parents as well as a number of local and national public representatives.
Bishop Fintan Monahan officiated over the religious element of the official opening.
The €6m state-of-the-art school opened last year but today, the official opening took place where the Taoiseach unveiled a Michael McTigue sculpted plaque to commemorate his visit.
Music for the celebration was provided by piper Blackie O’ Connell and Siobhán Peoples on fiddle.
Ennis Councillor Johnny Flynn said: “It was an uplifting day for the community in Cloughleigh and Scoil Chríost Rí, to host the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. It obvious he enjoyed the day and meeting the students as I was visiting the classrooms with him. I was honoured to witness the pride shown by the students, teachers, staff, parents and grandparents in their new €6.5 million school.
My association with the area goes back 40 years when I played soccer with Hermitage FC Youths and I later lived on Carmody Street with my family for nearly a decade. As Chairperson of the Ennis RAPID AIT from 2004-2008 I experienced the passion and spirit of the residents during the delivery of €1.9 million investment in the area. Friday was a celebration of both the wider and school community working together to create a bright future for their students and families. I’ve been proud to serve for 6 years as a member of the school Board of Management , the New School Building Committee,” Cllr Flynn added.