Launch of St. Fergal’s Photographic Exhibition “A Snapshot in Time”
There was a bumper attendance at the launch in Rathdowney on Wednesday evening December 5th, 2007 for a special exhibition chronicling 70 years of local education in the town.
The innovative project was the brainchild of St Fergals' Art teacher Clodagh Kennedy and a team from the school's Transition Year. Dubbed - A Snapshot In Time-St.Fergal's Celebrates 70 Years - the project involved many students and the help of Photographer Anthony Hughes.
The main focus of the project is a large format photo tile mosaic of St Fergal, Patron Saint of the area after which the school is named. The original photograph was taken from a stained glass window, donated to the school by Fr. Eamonn Foley, which was taken from the old church at Grogan.
Outlining the project, Clodagh Kennedy said: "The archive photographs were selected to create the face of St Fergal representing significant events and activities both past and present at the school.
"Although the face is the dominant piece many other striking photos are on display also. These photographs, show unusual aspects of school life and display the budding talents of the students. "
The project was initiated by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals and funded in partnership with the Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Dept. of Education and Science. The digital medias exhibition was officially opened by Anne O'Keefe C.E.O. Laois V.E C. at Rathdowney Designer Outlet, which kindly donated the exhibition space.
Among those in attendance were Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D, Senator Kieran Phelan, Archdeacon John and Irene Murray and staff, students and parents of St. Fergal's College and Julian Smith, Manager of Rathdowney Designer Outlet.
