NAAS, 8 March 2002: by Trish Whelan. A history of Naas Christian Brothers Secondary School will be formally launched by one of the school’s most famous past pupils, Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy TD.
The launch will take place in the school on Monday, March 25.
Naas CBS Principal Noel Merrick said the book launch ‘is the school’s contribution to the 2002 Edmund Ignatius Rice bi-centennial celebrations’.
The 176 page work is entitled: ‘From the Norman Moat to the Spanish Field: A History of Naas Christian Brothers’ School 1871-2002.’ It was researched and written by Chris Lawlor, who teaches at the school.
It will be of particular significance to local families with a tradition with the school and will include many photographs from bye-gone eras.
The book is about the establishment and growth of a school community. The story of a struggle against the odds, of educating the young male population of Naas, against the backdrop of scant resources, insufficient funds and lack of space.
From their arrival in the town in 1871, the Christian Brothers were continually involved in the education of local boys, first in the Moat School and later in Meánscoil Iognáid Rís.
The study also makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of an aspect of the social history of Ireland. It is ultimately the story of triumph in the face of adversity and the huge contribution made by the Christian Brothers in Naas was formally recognised by the then Naas Urban district Council in 2001.
The school currently caters for almost 800 pupils and has a teaching staff of more than 50. Although the Christian Brothers have left the school, their influence and tradition lives on in the type of education given in Naas CBS.
Copies of the book, at 15 euros a copy, can be ordered in advance from the school’s Enquiries Office. It will also be available in local bookshops and news agents and in the school after May 25.
©2002knn