Clongeen N.S was the place to be last Friday, 13th June. This date may be unlucky for some but not for the children, parents and staff at the school  who gathered in glorious sunshine to celebrate the raising of their Active Schools Flag. Guest of honour on the afternoon was local celebrity, Martin Kehoe, famed in ploughing and tug-o-war circles.
The morning was given over to Sports Day activities where local GAA coach Jennifer O’Brien ably assisted the teachers in setting up thrilling obstacle courses, penalty shoot outs, wellie- throws and many other fun events.
“Big” Martin Kehoe arrived after mid day with a real tug-o-war rope to the delight of the children. Martin has no bother showing our 100 children how to “pull their weight”. The ultimate entertainment was when 6th class pupils took on the school staff for the final tug-o-war pull. Decked in Clongeen colours and with Fr Colm Murphy as anchor man, the staff team however were no match for the youth and energy of the sixth class children who literally pulled them off the field!
Next was the open air disco on the basketball court providing dance, games and fun for the young and not so young while the adult onlookers enjoyed a vast array of home-baked treats and topped up their sun tans.
At 3 o clock the official ceremony of the Active Flag raising took place. Mr John Longan, co-ordinator of the Active School endeavour, led the Active Flag Committee to the school entrance where Martin Kehoe proudly raised the flag. Martin spoke to the huge crowd of the benefits of an active lifestyle and encouraged the young people to adopt a positive attitude to exercise, hinting that perhaps a future world class tug-o-war team from Clongeen might be in store in the future.
Ms. Geraldine O’Sullivan, School Principal thanked everyone involved in making the day such a wonderful celebration and a proud occasion in the school’s history.
The day ended with guest star appearances at the disco by Minnie and Mickey Mouse who displayed fine dance moves. Donald Duck agreed that Friday 13th June was indeed a great day for the whole Clongeen parish this year.