17.11.2023
Children Make History in St Matthew’s Church Irishtown
The children of St Matthew’s National School in Irishtown have added their own piece of history to their historic parish church. St Matthew’s Church in Irishtown, where Robert Emmett and Wolfe Tone are said to have worshipped, has been part of its community for over 300 years.
An ambitious restoration project is now nearing its end and the children of the parish school are ensuring their place in history by burying a time capsule in the floor. They have put together a selection of items which will provide a snapshot of their lives today for generations to come.
The children have chosen a number of items which they feel reflect their lives in 2023 along with their own written and artistic contributions.
Items to be buried include Match Attack and Pokemon cards, a Twistable crayon, an iPhone, a newspaper and a Prime Strawberry Melon drink.
Pupils in 1st class drew pictures and wrote about what they like and don’t like as six year olds and 2nd class wrote about themselves. Fifth class wrote letters to people in the future to be read in 2123. Sixth class included discussions on topics of the day including their school, Sandymount News, covid–19, popular sports, technology and future predictions.
Members of 5th and 6th class gathered in St Matthew’s yesterday (Thursday November 16) to put the capsule in place. The Rector of Irishtown and Donnybrook, Canon Leonard Ruddock, told them it was an important day for them and the church. “What you are doing here today is making history. You can tell your children and grandchildren about this time capsule and generations to come will be able to learn about how you lived,” he commented.
St Matthew’s Church will reopen for worship on December 17 and there will be two community concerts in the church on December 18 and 19 by Glee Ringsend. The official reopening service will take place in February 2024.
