I have many happy memories of my two years, 1971-1972, as Principal of St. David's Boys' National School, Artane. I had been on the staff of Artane from 1954 when it was an Industrial School and witnessed the disastrous fire in February, 1968, which totally destroyed all the Artane Boys' Band equipment and Band Hall.

The departure of the industrial school pupils in 1969 was another traumatic experience, but then it was possible to use the classrooms in the vacated premises for the pupils of the school. On July 1, 1969, the pupils of St. David's were admitted and occupied every available space.

Taking over as Principal in 1971 was a very simple matter. Under the efficient and thorough leadership of my predecessor, Harry Cheevers, and with the co-operation of very devoted and dedicated staff of teachers, my task was easy. There was an excellent spirit amongst teachers and pupils. School inspectors were all highly impressed by the high standard achieved in all the school activities. School games were well organised and the swimming pool was a very popular form of recreation and development.

I wish to congratulate Mr. John McGarry and his dedicated staff on the occasion of the celebration of the school's Silver Jubilee and I feel sure that the good work will continue to meet the demands of the pupils of St. David's.