We were delighted to be one of four schools in Laois that received grant funding from the Arts Office in Laois County Council during 2023/24 under the Artist in School scheme. We welcomed Ann Egan, poet, to the school for 8 weeks during May and June 2024, and she worked with 4th, 5th and 6th classes. Under her guidance the children learned all about St Brigid, and reflected on the legacy of Brigid and how it may impact on their lives in Ballyfin. They created spoken and written words poems, which they transcribed onto vellum paper and decorated beautifully, to create our own contribution to the Brigid 1500 celebration. The poems from each of the classes were compiled into a book, and the 6th class poems were displayed presented on a printed board. The children were all very proud of their creations, and we thank Ann most sincerely for her work and dedication throughout the duration of the project.