HONEY, a knee-high Falaballa pony, played Rudolph for a day before Glandore National School broke for the Christmas holidays.
There was great excitement on Friday when Sisi Daly, a pupil in junior infants and her brother Sonny, a pupil in second class, produced Honey from the boot of the car driven by their mother Luighsighe.
Their dad, Gavin, has increased the family's stock to include four Falaballa ponies, and two regular sized horses, which are housed locally in their stables.
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'They brought Honey because she is a particular pet,' said the school principal and fifth and sixth class teacher Ríona Murray.
'She's gentle and kind and brought Christmas delight to us all with her reindeer antlers on.'
Honey visited each of the four classrooms, and the autism class, in the 75-pupil and six-teacher school.
According to the principal, 'It was wonderful to see them jell with Honey. She instilled confidence in a number of children.'
Honey too revelled in the attention she received, responding well to the love and affection she received.
No one has confirmed anything BUT he might make another appearance when the school resumes on Monday January 5th, a time when everyone is in need of a bit of a lift.
It's not the first time that farm animals, or pets, have been welcomed at the school.
'In the past our lovely farming neighbour, and past parent, Sean Tobin, brought in calves for the children to see.
'And one of our special needs assistants incubated and hatched chickens in the school, so you could say we are a school that enjoys bringing nature into the classroom,' said the principal.
