A coffee morning hosted by Belcoo Pharmacy in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society took guests on a journey back to the era of Belcoo Railway, with help from pupils of St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh who set the scene.

Niall McPartland from Belcoo Pharmacy explained: “This year as part of our annual coffee morning we decided to revisit the bygone years of the local railway station which was situated in the village.”

He continued: “The pharmacy was delighted to partner with St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh who carried out a project around the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway. We cannot thank them enough for the effort and expertise they put into this especially the Year 10 pupils and their teachers.”

Assisted by teachers Mrs. Toni Campbell, Mrs. Patricia Kelly and departmental technician Mr. Paul Ferguson, the pupils worked in the Art and Design and Technology departments to create a scene based on the SL&NCR railway.

The project was part of an awareness building exercise for Dementia and the finished display was presented to Belcoo Pharmacy who featured it in the window of their premises throughout the month of May. The display will then be exhibited in the local community of Belcoo to be enjoyed as part of the heritage in the area. St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh will be recognised and a plaque will be attached to the work.

During Belcoo Pharmacy’s coffee morning, local historians talked through the railway display and about the impact the railway had on the community over the years.

Commenting on the success of the coffee morning, Niall said: “The day itself was a great success and was attended by young and old, from near and far who revelled in a chance to have a catch up and enjoy hearing about the local history from Harold Johnson.”

He continued: “We as a pharmacy are very proud to be associated with the local branch of the society and in recent times we became a Dementia Friendly pharmacy.”

“As a rural pharmacy, we are very reliant on locals for our continued success and in that regards we are very lucky to be situated where we are. The people on both sides of the border and the wider community give us great support in all that we do during the year and it is very much appreciated. We have to thank all those who helped make the day so special from those who baked to those who attended and made donations we really appreciate their continued help and support,” he concluded.