As junior infants across the country started their first day of school this morning, there was great excitement, some nervousness, new bonds of friendship and plenty of hugs at Gaelcoil Chnoc na Ré in Sligo.
Twenty-seven children started in junior infants at the Gaelscoil located on the grounds of St Mary’s GAA Club on the outskirts of Sligo town.
Saoirse Marren told RTÉ News it was an emotional day as her daughter Fiadh began her school journey.
Colm Lehane said his daughter May was their second child to enroll at the Gaelscoil.
"She’s very excited to join her big brother. We were up very early this morning and had lots of activity!"
Lynne Kilcoyne said her son Seán seemed very happy after his first day.
"He’s happy to come back tomorrow so that’s good!"
As children across the country settle into school – Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré Principal, Mícheál Ó Broin urged nervous parents to "relish the day and enjoy it".
"Sometimes, there’s more tears amongst the parents, but that’s natural too and sometimes children can have a little separation anxiety.
"Generally, we find that the children settle once they are in the classroom and they get on with it. Parents need not worry. We will look after them."
After their first day, Seán and Manny told RTÉ News that they "had so much fun".
"We like playing with the toys and drawing dinosaurs. We’re coming back every day".
Lauren and Joe echoed those remarks as they told RTÉ their favourite part of the day was colouring dinosaurs and unicorns.
"It was great. We coloured and we played outside. Then we came back in for a story and then it was home time."
With the first day under their belt at Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, it was all smiles at the school gate this afternoon as the children left, ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Watch our video to see what they were looking forward to.
