Stepping Out...

Official Dedication of our School Sculpture

Wed 24th September 2008

The Official dedication of a new sculpture took place at Thornhill College on Wednesday 24th September 2008.

Fr Gerry Mongan, the Thornhill College Chaplain celebrated the opening of an exciting new piece of art which was designed by the school’s Head of Art and Design, Mr Eamon McAteer. The sculpture, which is situated in front of the school’s main entrance, comprises three abstract figures which represent pupils of the school taking part in a dance.

In a speech delivered during the dedication ceremony Mr McAteer explained that he took his inspiration from the annual spectacle of the school’s Year 14 pupils who mark their final day at the school with a celebratory dance around the area where the sculpture has been installed. The title of the sculpture, “Stepping Out”, encapsulates the moving on of the pupils from school into adulthood.

The opening ceremony was introduced by the school’s then principal, Mrs Sarah Kelly, and featured music from the school choir and orchestra and traditional music from the school’s traditional music group.
Jennifer Geoffrey, the Head Girl (2008-9), also read a beautiful poem by the American poet, Walt Whitman.

The main highlights of the opening ceremony can be heard by clicking the podcast links in Radio Thornhill.

Eamon McAteer with former Principal, Sr Emmanuel
and former Senior Teacher, Mrs Mary Brown

Eamon McAteer

Sarah Kelly, School Principal (2002-2010)

Eamon McAteer with family members