The staff and students of Saint Mary’s Primary School Fivemiletown are welcoming in a momentous occasion this year. To launch fifty years of learning in this small local school Saint Mary’s Primary School have several celebratory events planned.

The long running school has put together a book of history about the school. The book will be launched at the 50th anniversary Dinner Dance in the Valley Hotel on Saturday 23 of February. The staff and past pupils of the school will celebrate in style and dance the night away to the music of the Boogie Men and Justin McGurk. This is all after a four-course meal! Current Principal Mrs Allis Cullinan-Keown said “The night is the perfect opportunity to catch up with old school friends and be transported back to your school days which for most of us were the best days of our lives.” She went on to tell The Impartial Reporter “The night will be great and will give past pupils the chance to look back on old photographs. There will also be entertainment from some well known celebrated past pupils.”

The primary school will have a special Mass of Thanksgiving which will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Fivemiletown on 11 April. This will give the staff and students the chance to give thanks for the blessings the school has received over the years. The celebration will continue after this with a chance to revisit the school and reminisce about years gone by.

The primary school was set up 2nd of January 1969. The new school was the vision of then parish priest Canon Brennan. When it first opened its doors St. Mary’s welcomed a proud 70 pupils to it classrooms and corridors. The children came from small national schools dotted around the area. Many of the new students came from Tyreghan, Coonian, and Aughentaine. This unfortunately marked the end of small rural schools but seen the formation of a new school with great prospects.

When the school first opened, they were led by high quality teachers Mrs. Kathleen McKenna, Mrs. Tilly Anespie and principal Master Stephen O’Brien. The school has been led by local teaching talent over the years including Mr. Tom McKeagney and Mrs. Marian Boyle. In recent years the school has been confidently led by Principal Mrs Allis Cullinan-Keown. She became principal in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since. She told the Impartial Reporter she “loves” being a part of the school and is proud of the students and staff for all their hard work, determination and school spirit.

Mrs Cullinan-Keown spoke of how the staff have strived to create a nurturing learning environment for the pupils. The pupils engage in a wide range of activities and sports. Principal Mrs Cullinan-Keown said “We try to engage the pupils in alternative sports alongside the traditional ones.” She told The Impartial Reporter about their yoga classes for students. “The Yoga class helps the students relax and de-stress. It is a bonus when something improves their mental health as well as physical health.”

One of the biggest achievements of the school was when they were selected to be on “School Around the Corner.” In 1997 the pupils were broadcast on UTV and even have an autographed certificate from popular TV name Frank Mitchell.

A small number of tickets for Saint Mary’s Primary School 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance in The Valley Hotel can be purchased by contacting the school on 02889521315.