Tattygar's 90th Celebration
Friday 28th September 2018, saw Tattygar Primary School mark the 90th anniversary of the school opening. The night began with a Mass held in St Mary’s Church, Lisbellaw, led by Fr Raymond Donnelly and co-celebrated by school chaplain, Fr Joe McVeigh. School Principal, Joanne McCaffrey, welcomed everybody with very fitting words, ‘An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday and the hopes of tomorrow.’ Mass-goers were delighted with the singing of the Tattygar school choir, who lead the congregation in the music. Recently anointed Deacon, Martin Donnelly, gave a very fitting homily about the achievements of the school over the past ninety years. The ceremony ended with a charming presentation of music, poetry and drama from the KS2 pupils. One parent commented, ‘a beautiful Mass and delivered with that wee touch of magic that only Tattygar can do.’
Celebrations continued back at Tattygar school itself, where guests enjoyed refreshments and entertainment. The Travellin’ Trads provided musical entertainment for all. To everyone’s surprise and delight, the school dinner hall had been transformed into an archive of Tattygar’s past. Guests gathered in the school to look at old pictures and artefacts, to reminisce and to catch up with old friends.
Many Tattygar veterans made the journey back to Tattygar on the night. Some of our oldest past pupils, Benny Bogue and Laurence McManus were thrilled to find themselves in the school’s rolls book, which date right back to 1928. Benny is a keen storyteller, and spoke very fondly of his years at Tattygar, specifically of the time when he received a pocket watch as a reward for excellent attendance, despite a 3 mile walk to school each day.
The night was a huge success. School Principal, Joanne McCaffrey, said, ‘The whole purpose of tonight’s event was to bring people back together and remember the special place Tattygar was and still is to so many people. The huge crowd which has congregated tonight is a testament to the special place Tattygar holds in the hearts of those that have walked up the hill and in through the doors of the school.’
