Holy Family JNS

The glamorous world of Rock \'N Roll touched down in River Valley recently with the visit of chart topping No. 1 band \"Kodaline\", back to entertain the current pupils (and teachers!) in their old primary school. There was a great sense of expectation and excitement in the air as everyone waited in the school hall for Stephen Garrigan and Mark Prendergast to appear. In fact, it was hard to say who was more excited - the children or the Staff! Many of us teachers remember the \"boys\" wandering around in their uniforms and it doesn\'t seem all that long ago! Little did we know then that we would be welcoming them back, as their hit song \"High Hopes\" sat at number 1 in the charts, they were playing sold out gigs at home and abroad and their first CD release was imminent. When they arrived, to a rapturous welcome, we all joined in to celebrate their success to date. Of course, it was also a very proud moment for Stephen\'s Mum, Maura Garrigan, who has been a long time member of the staff here. (She is his number 1 fan, of course, no matter what anyone else claims!). Mark\'s parents were there too to enjoy this special visit for him. The lads performed a couple of songs for us and chatted to everyone and then it was the Senior School\'s turn. A day to remember, especially in the future when the band go on to even greater success, something we have no doubt about given the quality of what they have produced so far. Best of luck, Kodaline!