Three National Schools from the east of the diocese gathered in St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne on Thursday 23rd November, the eve of the feast of St Colman, to celebrate the start of the school year.

The service opened with The Dean of Cloyne, the Very Rev’d Susan Green ringing her school bell and a procession of school banners through the cathedral chancel. During her address, the Dean pointed out the stained glass window depicting St Colman and St Fin Barre in conversation. The Gospel was read by pupils from Adair School, Fermoy and the prayers were read by pupils from South Abbey National School in Youghal. The schools had been practising the hymns, including For all the saints and Ye holy angels bright.

Fifth class pupils from St John the Baptist National School, Midleton sang an anthem written by Peter Stobart with words from Psalm 89: My song shall be always of the loving kindness of the Lord. The organ was played by Matthew Breen. The anthem had previously premiered at the Diocesan Service for lay ministry, where it was sung by the pupils of St Fin Barre’s NS.