In 1973 Tarbert Comprehensive opened its doors to 280 students, 18teachers, 2 caretakers and 1 secretary under the leadership of Principal Tom McKeown. On May 27th 2014 the community
of the Comp came together to celebrate the 40 years gone by and the future to come. Pupils and staff from the past and present were involved in the ceremonies of the night which culminated with an improtu music and dancing session in the corridors of the Comprehensive.
The night commenced in the school Gymnasium with a beautiful service involving students past and present, members of the staff, Parents’ Council and members of the Board of Management, presided over by Bishop Browne and Reverend Scott. Neighbours of the Comprehensive, past and present students,staff and parents, the Parents’ Council and Board of management, the local clergy and principals from feeder schools all helped in making the night an enjoyable event. The school choir provided the music during the service and led by Ms. Kavanagh and Ms. Callaghan were joined by all staff members to finish off the ecumenical service with a rousing rendition of Hallelujah recomposed by Ms. Katie Mullane.
On a beautiful May evening and as the sun was setting the Bishop of Kerry, Reverend Raymonde Browne and Reverend Scott planted a Mountain Ash as a symbol of the vitality and longevity of the Comprehensive on the school grounds. Following this the crowd of around 300 continued the celebrations in the Assembly Hall with food and music provided by the students of the Comp. A music session continued into the night with students and teachers dancing to traditional music. Past students wandered the corridors searching and finding pictures and records of their presence in the school. An enjoyable evening was had by all. Many thanks must go to all involved in making the night a memory for all those present.
