When first appointed to St. David's as Principal, my wish was to see again the main corridor of the school which I had first seen in 1960. At that time, there was a long corridor stretching the full length of the building and this housed models and exhibits going back many years. There were magnificent chandeliers gracing this corridor as well as the main entrance.

I had known that many changes had taken place including the transformation of this corridor into classrooms but believed that the main entrance hall was as originally decorated.

On arrival one afternoon to meet with my predecessor, Br. Mitchell, who was transferring elsewhere, imagine my astonishment in seeing a single shadelen bulb dangling from a white flex.

When I arrived the new primary school on the Kilmore Road was on the way up under the watchful eye of Fr. Houlihan.

I wish to pay tribure to the advice and guidance of my Vice Principal, James McGinley, who was a rock of sense and a truly loyal friend. To the staff, most of which is still working in the school, I wish to praise their dedication to their profession and the fruits of their labours are to be seen in the continued growth of the school in a time of falling numbers elsewhere.

One incident which happened in the old school should bring a smile to one of the teachers lips. A lovable man in the person of Br. Jim Forrestal was on the staff at the time. Here was a man who loved animals and nature in general. This was evident from his classroom which contained canaries and breeding cages etc. His two faithful companions were "Sally" and "Rommel", two German shepherds. It was Br. Jim's practice to patrol the School each evening to ensure all doors and windows were secure. He always took the dogs with him. One afternoon after conpleting his rounds, he came to me and said that it seemed some rats had entered the school. Br. Jim told me that on entering Micheal O Braonain's classroom a 'rat' was seen scurrying across the floor. Sally, the alsation, true to her nature, chased, caught and disposed of the 'rat'. Br. Jim said he left the dead 'rat' on top of the wooden crate in the room. My heart missed a beat because the crate contained two 'gerbils', the class pets ! One of the gerbils had escaped and I took the remains and disposed of them. My memory is dim on whether Micheal was ever told the full story.

It was while I was Principal that the first Board of Management was instituted for primary schools. I remember quite clearly, the huge attendance at the first meeting of parents to explain to them what was happening. It took place in the old concert hall on the first floor of the school - the anticipation of parental enquiries - the expectations of parents in relation to the Board - the taking of nominations for the Board and finally the Friday/Saturday ballot. This produced an excellent Board of Management with the posts of secretary and treasurer going to both elected representatives rather than to nominees.

I wish St. David's continued success in the future and health and happiness to all who labour within its walls. It was one of the happiest periods in my life and I was really disappointed, when after just two years, I was assigned elsewhere.