Tattygar Primary School celebrated the 90th anniversary of the school opening on Friday, September 28 as past pupils and staff came together to share memories and stories of the school they know so well.

The night began with a Mass held in St Mary’s church, Lisbellaw, led by Fr. Raymond Donnelly and co-celebrated by school chaplain, Fr. Joe McVeigh.

School principal, Joanne McCaffrey, welcomed everybody with very fitting words saying: "An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday and the hopes of tomorrow."

Mass-goers were delighted with the singing of the Tattygar school choir, who lead the congregation in the music.

Recently anointed Deacon, Martin Donnelly gave a very fitting homily about the achievements of the school over the past ninety years. The ceremony ended with a charming presentation of music, poetry and drama from the KS2 pupils described by one parent in attendance as ‘a beautiful Mass and delivered with that wee touch of magic that only Tattygar can do.’

Celebrations continued back at Tattygar Primary School itself, where guests enjoyed refreshments and entertainment.

The Travellin’ Trads provided musical entertainment for all.

The school dinner hall had been transformed into an archive of Tattygar’s past which was a delight to all in attendance as it brought back memories of their time at the school. Guests gathered to look at old pictures and artefacts, to reminisce and to catch up with old friends.

Many Tattygar veterans made the journey back to the school on the night. Some of our oldest past pupils, Benny Bogue and Laurence McManus were thrilled to find themselves in the school’s rolls book, which date right back to 1928.

Benny, a keen storyteller, spoke very fondly of his years at Tattygar, specifically of the time when he received a pocket watch as a reward for excellent attendance, despite a three mile walk to school each day.

"The whole purpose of tonight’s event was to bring people back together and remember the special place Tattygar was and still is to so many people. The huge crowd which has congregated tonight is a testament to the special place Tattygar holds in the hearts of those that have walked up the hill and in through the doors of the school," added Mrs. McCaffrey.