There was a lovely surprise for one of the pupils  at St Mary’s (Church of Ireland) National School in Carrigaline in County Cork when the whole school assembled on 8th January to receive their gift from the State of the Irish Flag to mark the centenary of 1916.  When the party from Óglaigh na hÉireann arrived, she realised that her father, Sergeant Wrenne, was one of the group presenting the flag.   

To commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising and to celebrate 100 years since the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, the Government asked Óglaigh na hÉireann to deliver the National Flag to every Primary School in the country.  

Óglaigh na hÉireann present the national flag to schoolchildren at St Mary’s Church of Ireland National School, Carrigaline, County Cork

On Friday 8th January, St Mary’s NS Carrigaline welcomed members of  the Defence Forces, two from the Navy and two from the Army. After the acting Principal welcomed the group, the Rector read from a letter written by her maternal Grandfather of his experiences fighting in the Dublin Rising which helped set the scene. The Officer in command of the group then explained a little about the history of the Flag and the Proclamation after which she asked the children several questions to ensure that they all knew the rules surrounding the care of the National Flag (for instance it is never put on the ground, it flies above any other flag, etc.). The children then sang Amhrán na bhFiann and some of the parents who were there for the occasion remained behind for refreshments.