St Joseph’s NS celebrates 40 years
ON Thursday evening I headed for St. Josephs National School where a 40 year reunion was taking place. The school which opened in 1979 recently celebrated 40 years in existence and decided to have a night where an open invitation was sent out to everyone associated with the school to come along, meet up with old friends, check out an amazing array of photos and memorabilia and talk about old times.
I wasn’t too long in the door when I met up with Michelle Quinn and Denise McGuinness both from Muirhevnamor who told me they had been pupils there and now their children Hannah, Troy and Sophie were now there. They went on to say the school had a real community feel to it and complimented them on dealing with issues as soon as they arrived.
Not too long later I hen got a word with Jennifer McCartney from Castleross and Clare Conlon from Knockbridge who had also been there for their primary years. I had been talking to vice principal Paul McGee whom Jennifer told me was responsible for having the nickname ‘Skippy’ which she is still fondly known as.
After this I caught up with staff members Bernie Lennon from Manydown Close and Avril Callan from Knockbridge who told me the school has a real community feel to it and they were looking forward to seeing all the old familiar faces from the past.
I then met up with Aradia Lambert from Thomas Street who told me it had been a really great school while she was there, but that in the time of the old building/.
Making my way through the crowds I then got talking to teachers Aine Kennedy from Carrick Road and Maire Sheppard from Blackrock who told me it is an excellent school to be part of and they were looking forward to seeing past pupils and teachers who used to work there too.
Next, I caught up with one of Dundalk’s busiest couples Oliver Morgan and Brendan Byrne-Morgan from Meadow View who get out more than I do. Oliver told me he was at school in St. Joseph’s between ’84 and ’ 87 and had loved it, it is a fabulous school.
After this I headed over for a quick chat with Cathal Fee and Francis Carroll both from Rockfield Court who told me that Cathal had been there and had a really great time and was starting to recognise some of the old familiar faces.
I then made by way over for a chat with Sharon and Shannon Sage from Muirhevnamor who were both past pupils and agreed there was a real sense of community about the school and was great to have a look back through all the photos on show.
Not too long later I got a word with one time board of management member Sean Farrell from Mary Street North who was with wife Rena and grandkids Francis and Grace Kirk. He told me not only did all his kids attend the school but it was a great grounding for them for the rest of their lives.
After this I headed over for a chat with Linda Durnin from Maple Close and Amanda McDonagh from Lios Dubh who were also ex pupils and now have their kids Craig, Ryan, Pearse and Carly Durnin and Dylan Thornton-McDonagh all following in their footsteps.
Making my way through the huge crowds I then met up with Anne Morrissey and Delores Waller both from Muirhevnamor and Betty Cleary from Mourne Vale who were enjoying the reunion night. Delores saw daughters Susan and Marie-Louise both go through the school, Betty had been on the board of management, had a daughter Elizabeth Flanagan go through the school and return as a teacher now. Anne said that Sheila, Niamh and James had all been there and now she is part of the Parents Choir too.
I then headed over for a word with Jackie Flynn from Doolargy Avenue and Melissa Woods from Sliabh Foy Park who said it really was a nostalgic night with all the memories from the photos. Jackie has Kaylon and Kelsie there and Melissa said that she was looking forward to getting Michael Woods in next year.
One man who was making a return to the school after leaving back in 2000 was Michael Flynn from Lis Na Dara who had taught for 15 years there and was now in Oram in Monaghan. He went on to say he had really enjoyed the school and was delighted to come back for the reunion.
After this I headed over for a chat with Sheila and Tony Broadhurst from Glenmore Park who were there with one of Dundalk’s finest ambassadors, their daughter Amy and Tony said that all their kids Paul, Tony and Stephen had been there and had all loved it too.
I then managed to get in the way of ex pupil and now teacher Elizabeth Flanagan from Blackrock who was with another current teacher Emma Nelson from Priorland Grove who were going around chatting to everyone, but I did get in the way when they went on the look for some peanuts!
Not too long later I got a word with John O’Brien from St. Nicholas Avenue who was with daughter Emily and he said he attended from the second year the school was opened. He said four brothers and four sisters all were there and made sure that son John and daughter Emily went too the school is that good.
Making my way through the huge crowds there I then got talking to Caroline Manning from Ravensdale who is a current teacher and agreed that the collection of photographs were certainly a huge success on the night.
Meanwhile over at the photo walls I got talking to Siobhan Duffy from Medebawn and Olga Paudere from Glenwood who are involved with Lis Na Nog who are in partnership with the school and said it is an excellent progression for all the kids.
Next I headed over for a word with Marion Coburn from Doolargy Avenue, Emma Coburn from Aghameen Park and Delores Doherty from Seafield Lawns who told me Emma had been a student there had absolutely loved it and had cried when she had to leave.
I did manage a quick word with Carol Tuft and Catherine Ralph who both work there saying it’s a lovely place and a real sense of community that really helps the kids.
Finally, before I departed, I got a word with Maeve O’Dowd from Mayo and Runmi Salako from Claddagh Park who both agreed it is more like a big family working together to make sure the children enjoy their time there.