Wednesday the 12th of September was a day to remember for all at Timahoe NS as children and staff were treated to a visit from some very special guests. The Laois colours of blue and white were painted in every corner of the school to welcome the Laois all Ireland winning football players, Mo Nerney, Aisling Donoher, Orla Hennessy and our very own 6th class teacher Ms. Anna Moore. Having such football royalty in the school was a real treat for everyone and they were even more impressed when they announced that Timahoe NS was the first school they had been in since winning the Mary Quinn cup.
The excitement had been building all morning and when Mo, Orla, Aisling and Anna eventually arrived, the children gave the special guests a rapturous welcome and a superb rendition of We’ve got the World tonight. The entire visit occurred in the decorated school halla and included a mixture of speeches, questions and answers, singing and even poetry recitation.
The children were in awe of the ladies and had plenty of questions for them. They discussed items such as training, diet, inspiration and playing other sports as a child. They also gave some great insights into the Laois team but it wasn’t a major surprise when Ms. Moore named her sister Jane Moore as being the toughest player to mark in training. They also answered a few questions 'as Gaeilge' from 6th class before being put through a rapid fire quiz by Grace, Emilia, Anna and Lucy.
Mo, Orla, Aisling and Anna were then treated to a superb rendition of 'Lovely Laois' by the entire school. After the formalities, it was time for some classroom visits. Children were delighted to welcome the All Ireland Champions into their classrooms. They spoke to the children, posed for photographs and signed some of their jerseys and footballs.
Principal Ann Bergin was very complimentary to the players. She thanked Aisling, Orla, Mo and Ms. Moore for being such an inspiration to the children of Timahoe NS. She hoped the visit would inspire a future generation of both male and female sports stars.
The ladies final action was to officially absolve all students of homework that night which was gleefully accepted by all. By the time the special guests left, everyone was buzzing about football, a huge success in itself.
