Huge crowds gathered on Friday evening, June 23 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Martin’s Primary School, Garrison.

It was a wonderful evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by past and present pupils, staff and family members.

The event provided a wonderful opportunity for reflection on the contribution that the school has made to the Garrison community over the past five decades.

The evening began with a Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by the Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy, who was joined by Fr. Tiernach Beggan PP and Fr. Gabriel Dolan, with the school choir providing the music.

“They were nothing short of amazing – they should be very proud of themselves,” said St. Martin’s principal, Mairéad Gormley.

The congregation then made their way to the school itself for refreshments and a walk down memory lane.

Thanking the community, the school expressed: “Many travelled from far and wide to be there. We have been overwhelmed this week with cards, letters, well-wishes and congratulations.

“Thank you most sincerely to all those who gave donations, both on the night and this past week.

“Your generosity will go far towards event costs. Due to popular demand, school displays remained opened on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and we welcomed almost 100 more visitors throughout the week.

“In St. Martin’s we are privileged to be building on the strong foundations laid by all those great people who have gone before us.

“Our school would not be what it is now in 2023 without its amazing history and success, which continues today.

“A special word of thanks must go to our hardworking and dedicated staff; all those working hard behind the scenes to make it all happen – their hard work and dedication to St. Martin’s made Friday evening a memorable and wonderful success.

“St. Martin’s is and always has been a school at the heart of its community. Thank you to all those who have supported us in any way during preparations in the lead up to the anniversary.”

Pupils continued the celebrations on Monday, with a fun party day, with Miss Gormley saying it was being described by “both our youngest and oldest pupils as ‘the best day ever’, [which] leaves us safe in the knowledge that it too, was a huge success”.