GREEN FLAGS GALORE AS SCHOOLS FINISH UP FOR THE YEAR
2016 has been a very special year for SN Muire gan Smal, Cartown, and the Cartown Community. In September 2015, Michael Mooney found the very first photo taken in the New School in Cartown in 1956. Michael named all 39 pupils in the photo. He contacted every pupil in the photo and invited them to the school on May 28th and the photo was recreated 60 years later.
On June 17th, the school celebrated its 60th Anniversary. The celebration began with a Mass said in the Church of the Assumption. Archbishop Eamon Martin celebrated the Mass assisted by Fr. Aidan Murphy P.P. The choir led by Ms Geraghty and assisted by Ms Moore & Mrs Victory did the school proud. Mark Dowd and Molly Matthews played the xylophone chime bars really beautifully. After Mass the celebrations continued in the School. The nicest part of the day was the tea and chat in the hall. Local shop owner, Malachy McGrane supplied trays of sandwiches and cakes, sweet treats supplied by parents were enjoyed by everyone. Again the school choir under the direction of Ms Geraghty entertained the crowd. Mrs Lynch’s 4th & 5th class performed a play showing what life at school was like 60 years ago. Chairperson of the Board of Management, Ben Lennon, Principal Mrs Victory and former Principal Mr. Gerry Campbell delivered speeches reminiscing over the school’s history along with a slide show and photos. Mr Noel Clinton and Mr Joe Hardy displayed their pride and joy vintage cars in the yard & Dan Flynn brought his 1958 tractor to school. Barry Lally, a past pupil and member of local upcoming band “City” entertained the crowd with excellent singing.
The original School built in 1956 is now one classroom in our school. Mr Pat Keane (Parent) organised 18 desks and other artefacts from an old classroom to be transported by Fr. Carly back to what looked like in 1956. Present pupils and former pupils had a great day in the school and enjoyed their trip down memory lane. A great day was had by all.