THE Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) will not press ahead with a proposal to close St Mary's Primary School, Fivemiletown.

In a letter to parents yesterday (Wednesday), the school's principal, Ailis Cullinan-Keown said the proposal would not move forward "at this time”.

“We are delighted with this news,” she said, “It is certainly the best outcome we could have hoped for.” The principal added however it was important to be “mindful” that a decision in the long-term had not been made.

“It will be kept under review by CCMS,” she explained.

She paid tribute to the support of parents and the local community to the save the school from closure, at least in the short-term.

“I ask you to continue to support our school so as to promote a positive future for St Mary's,” she added.

She commended the leadership shown by Marian. Boyle throughout the “difficult process.

“I am grateful for her hard work and careful engagement,” she said. “We can be pleased and proud of this news but I ask that you continue to support and promote the school so that we may continue to enjoy the laughter and learning for children at St Mary's for many generations to come.”