Tír na nÓg Montessori School in Abbeyside is preparing to close its doors for the final time this June, bringing an end to nearly four decades at the heart of the local community.

The well-respected Montessori school, which first opened 39 years ago, held a celebration day over the weekend as past pupils, parents and staff gathered to mark its legacy and share memories from across the years.

As part of the event, the school displayed class photographs from every year dating back to 1987, giving families and former students the chance to look back on generations of children who passed through its doors.

For many families in West Waterford, Tír na nÓg was the very beginning of their child’s education journey, with hundreds of children attending the school since it first opened.

Speaking to WLR News, Siobhán Buckley reflected on the school’s long history and thanked everyone who supported it over the years.

She paid tribute to the parents and students who were part of the Montessori community throughout the decades, saying many families had seen generations attend the school.

Ms Buckley also thanked her brilliant staff, Martina Kelly and Lisa Lonergan for their dedication, commitment, and hard work over the years, describing them as a huge part of the school’s success.

While the school’s final chapter is approaching, Tír na nÓg is leaving behind a lasting legacy in the community after almost four decades of early years education in West Waterford.

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