A SURPRISE package arrived in an Irvinestown Primary School last week, prompting an excited response from pupils.

“Out of the blue” the Principal of St. Paul’s Primary School opened a “huge box” addressed to the school from NBC Universal.
“It was full of Minion paraphernalia and there was a large brown envelope addressed to The Pupils of St. Paul’s Primary School,” Anne Molloy explained.

The media conglomerate is responsible for the film franchise Despicable Me, which features the cute and wacky yellow Minion characters. 

NBC Universal has a London Brand Development Team and they spotted media coverage in The Impartial Reporter of a Minion Fun Fitness Day that St. Paul’s held in April, in memory of deceased pupil Finn Gillen.

See that report here

Eight-year-old Finn died in 2016 after a battle with cancer. 
To mark his one year anniversary, his fellow pupils held a Minion Fun Fitness Day to pay tribute to Finn, who was “Minion mad”.
The letter read: “The passing of Finn Gillen a brave young boy who unfortunately lost his battle to cancer last year came to our attention, as well as the wonderful Minion sports day you held in his memory.
“We here at Universal felt that it was only right, that in the honour of Finn we provided the children of St. Paul’s Primary School gifts and treats to celebrate Finn’s life in true Minion style.
“For all your hard work and efforts please accept our gifts to you in Finn’s memory.”
It was signed: The Universal Brand Development Team.
“The children can’t believe it and can’t wait to get their hands on the items; they are so excited,” said Mrs. Molloy, who revealed that Universal also sent a second package with cakes and sweets for the children.
“The staff were in tears at this lovely gesture and we are all touched by it. 
“I rang Finn’s mother and she had no idea. She was very moved by the gesture too,” said Mrs. Molloy.

Read: Sculpture at St. Paul's Primary, Irvinestown, in memory of much-loved pupils

The delighted Principal concluded: “The whole school remembers Finn. 
“We are overwhelmed by Universal’s generosity and we are very touched.”

Hannah Mungo, Country Director for the UK Brand Development Team told The Impartial Reporter: “We were so touched by the article in The Impartial Reporter of Finn’s passing and how his classmates were honouring his memory with a Minions Sports Day. 

“Finn was truly an inspiration, and we wanted to pay tribute to his life by donating an assortment of Minions products to his schoolmates in his honour.”