A school in Co Cork is hoping to provide a covered play area for its students after it received a cheque for €50,000 from an anonymous donor.
The money was part of a €500,000 gift to several schools and charities in Cork.
St Killian's Special School in Mayfield received the money earlier this week and principal Sue Lenihan said it would help buy pupils items that are "extra, and above and beyond their needs".
Speaking on RTE's News at One, she explained that the donation was completely unexpected.
"To see that cheque was unreal. I couldn't even describe how that felt. It is amazing, really, really amazing."
Ms Lenihan said the money was sent by a solicitor, saying it was an anonymous donation.
She said she was speechless when she opened the envelope and saw the cheque.
"It's just amazing - because we’ve never ever had an anonymous donation before.
"We are so thankful to whoever felt that we should receive that."
She said they were looking at increasing sensory options and providing a covered play area so children could play outside in all weather.
She said this was especially significant for children who need "movement breaks."
The school of 104 pupils takes students from a diverse range of backgrounds and needs, she said, including autistic children and those with dyslexia, dyspraxia and speech and language difficulties.
