St. Patrick’s Primary School Mullanaskea has won an award following a nomination by the parents of the late Ellie Nicholl for their “care of little Ellie over the years.”The school won the category of ‘Best School for Helping All Pupils Achieve Their Best’ at the Families First Northern Ireland Awards.

The Nicholl family wanted the school’s staff recognised for their care of little Ellie over the years. Ms. O’Neill, the school’s Principal, accepted the nomination with grace. She felt very humbled for the school to be nominated by the Nicholl family.

Ms. O’Neill said: “Caring for Ellie was a pleasure, she was a very special little girl. Ellie was a joy to teach and a joy to know. She was full of life, energy and happiness.”

She added: “Ellie continues to be very much part of the fabric of Mullanaskea. Not a day goes by when she is not mentioned.”

Ellie passed away at the age of eight in 2016 following a battle with an extremely rare neurological condition called H-ABC syndrome.

Ellie’s anniversary, by sheer coincidence, was on Saturday March 9, the same date the school received the award. The school’s staff all attended the awards ceremony and had a great evening. They were all honoured to receive this award. “Everybody at Mullanaskea hopes that Ellie would be proud,” said Ms. O’Neill.