Thursday Newsletter 25/09/2025

Dear Parents and Guardians/A Thuismitheoirí agus a Chaomhnóirí,

Vincent Coway: Chairperson of Glasnevin ETNS from 2011 until 2019 – A Tribute to a respectful and kind gentleman; a great leader and inspiring musician

We were all sad and shocked to hear that Vincent Conway passed away and remember him with such warmth and appreciation and as a vibrant participant here through a period of significant transition. Sorcha (DP), Mick (caretaker) and I attended his funeral yesterday. It was a very fitting; special sendoff filled with music and striking that chord of fun and gravitas so beautifully.

As chairperson, Vincent attended monthly Board of Management meetings, some lengthy ones (with the move to a new building); he sat on many, many interview panels with the growth from single to double stream requiring lots of staff recruitment. In my early days as principal (when there were little supports/training in place) I could not have got through some of the more challenging aspects of the role, without Vincent’s reliable availability, kindness, support and expertise, and after evening work, he always waited until I’d locked up the old school before heading off. Vincent supported and valued all staff. Valerie remembers Vincent popping into the ALC to check in and offer support, always in a kind and helpful manner.

Beyond his expected duties as chairperson, Vincent taught, inspired and had fun with students. David (chess) remembers Vincent visiting 4^th Class to read a lovely Irish picture book, recalling how animated he was and how much the children loved it. David also remembers how taken the children were with Vincent’s many interesting and colourful ties, starry night. Often sporting his penguin tie when presenting to classes on Antarctica. Vincent taught recorder to senior classes on a weekly basis for several years.

All of this was on a voluntary basis. I feel forever indebted to Vincent for his significant contribution to our school’s development and for being such a wonderful mentor to me. On behalf of the school, we send our deepest condolences to Muireann and all his family.

Autumn Fair Raffle — tickets to sell incoming in children’s school bags soon

Our annual Autumn Fair raffle on 19 October is shaping up to be a great one. Prizes include a luxurious five star hotel stay, restaurant and hair salon vouchers, rugby tickets in the Aviva stadium , top drawer electronics prizes & more !

We need your help! Soon your child will receive an envelope with some raffle tickets and instructions home in their bag. Please do try your best to sell them if at all possible. Buy some yourself too to be in with a chance of winning one or more of the fabulous prizes on offer. Keep checking the school bag and return them as instructed in the letter accompanying the tickets.

If we all do our part we can make this raffle a huge success raising much needed funds for the school. Laura

Primary Cross-Country Event

A huge congratulations to all our amazing runners who represented the school at the Dublin Primary Schools’ Cross-Country in Albert College Park yesterday. We had some brilliant performances on the day, with several pupils bringing home medals and plaques, well done!

More importantly, every child gave their very best effort, and we were so impressed by the determination, encouragement, and team spirit shown throughout the races. Whether finishing at the front or further back in the pack, each runner did the school proud.

A special thank you goes to John MacDonald, our Dublin City Sports Officer, for the invitation to attend.

Please find some snaps of all the action and a video below.