Sun shines on Newtown 75th celebrations
A HUGE crowd gathered in St Michael’s NS in Newtown for a special celebration marking the 75 year history of the school.
Organised by junior teacher Laura Lanigan and the 75th organising committee, the day began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty who was joined by Fr Eddie Aughney, Fr Pierce Murphy, with two past pupils: Fr Tommy O’Shea and Fr Tom Little also in attendance, along with former curate Fr Alfie Murphy.
A presentation was made to current principal Marie-Therese Ryan and to former principals Sean Higgins and Ellen Bridget at the end of the Mass, as well as to Sally Curran, representing her late brother Vincent, who was principal of the school for many years.
The three teacher school looked magnificent for the occasion, which was blessed with hot summer sunshine.
Bishop Nulty planted a tree commemorating the occasion and raised a green and an active flag, the pupils having earned both through their hard work during the year.
Afterwards everyone got to have a peek into the classrooms and pour over old photographs from yesteryear and watch a DVD of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
St Michael’s was a two class school up until 2010, when a third class was built on. It has 49 pupils and all of the pupils work was on display for their parents and grandparents to see and admire.
Ms Lanigan said: ‘Everyone loved the day and the weather just made it. It was a special day for the community and we still can’t get over the crowd who travelled from near and far to be there.’
Everyone enjoyed a huge spread of cakes and buns afterwards generously provided by the parent’s association, along with excellent music in the hall.
The pupils were treated to a party day the following Wednesday, enjoying a great day together.