Réalt na Mara school community celebrates 150th anniversary
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Principal of the boys schools Caitríona Campbell with the girls’ school principal Kate McCloughan.Image 2 of 8
Staff members enjoying the 150th celebrations holding the commerative book.Image 3 of 8
90-year-old past pupil Richie Whearty arrived to the anniversary event with his school bag! He is pictured with teacher Maura Quinn.Image 4 of 8
Father and son John and Rian McKenna.Image 5 of 8
Students performing at a special event to mark Réalt na Mara BNS & Réalt na Mara GNS’s 150th anniversary.Image 6 of 8
Staff of both the boys and girls schools came together at the concert to sing “Thank You for the Days”.Image 7 of 8
Past pupil and recent finalist on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ magician, Cillian O’Connor who put on a special show in the schoolyard.Image 8 of 8
Teacher Mary Carroll leading a reenactment of what school life would have looked like in 1873.Réalt na Mara BNS & Réalt na Mara GNS welcomed pupils, both past and present as well as the wider community into the schools last month for an evening packed with activities and entertainment as they celebrated 150 years since the establishment of the Red Brick School in Donacarney.
On the evening there was a wide array of activities and attractions including outstanding performance from boys and girls including dance, song and drama and even past pupil Cillian O'Connor put on a show hot off his Britain's Got Talent appearance!
St Colmcilles GAA, and Millmount Handball Club hosted sessions for the pupils and visitors were invited to classrooms where pupils showcased their 21st Century learning skills using Chromebooks, engaging in science experiments and playful learning.
Specially curated photograph galleries took visitors on a nostalgic journey with one of the most popular displays during the celebrations being the roll books, where visitors spent time looking for the names of old friends and family.
"It was wonderful to witness our community members who attended the Red Brick, engage in lively conversations and share stories as they enjoyed our photograph gallery, according to a spokesperson for the school.
"The evening exceeded our expectations and we could not have anticipated the wonderful community occasion that it would turn out to be. The school was buzzing with excitement and nostalgia," they added.
"There are rich connections and history between our school and the community and this is something we cherish dearly."
Earlier in the week Réalt na Mara BNS launched their 150 year commemorative book.
"This book beautifully captures the journey, achievements, and memories of our school throughout the years, we hope it will be cherished and spark conversations both in our classrooms and homes."
There are a small number of copies of the book still available to buy. If you would like to purchase a copy of the book please email books@donacarneyschool.ie.