FORMER students of an Enniskillen school which is set to cease as part of a ‘closure and expansion’ programme have recalled many “special memories” of their early education.
After much speculation, it was confirmed that St Joseph’s College and St Fanchea’s College, which were both opened in 1960, would wind up in early 2027, in a major local shake-up.
The pupils at both schools will be absorbed by St Michael’s College and Mount Lourdes.
Well-known resident Benny Cassidy, a former pupil of St Joseph’s College, formed a campaign group back in 2018 when the proposal to merge the Fermanagh schools first reared its head.
Thinking back to his post-primary school education at St Joseph’s College in September 1970, the Enniskillen man recalled memorable times at the school, in the wake of the recent decision.
“I remember the apprehension as I went from being the oldest group in the primary to the youngest in what seemed to me as being a huge school,” Mr Cassidy told the ‘Herald.
“The smell of fresh paint and varnish, the noise, the activity of big men with long hair and side locks will always remain as a first memory and that was just the older pupils.”
The former hospital porter, pictured left, particularly remembers the camaraderie among the many pupils.
“I was in Class 1A and at that time classes were made up of 36 which is so different to class size now. I look back and smile to myself when I think back to the tuck shop,” said Mr Cassidy.
“The gym seemed enormous and the dining hall was beside it, where the staffroom is at present..
“The principal was Bro. Damacene and Jack Keenan was vice. Bro. Adrian taught me how to paint pictures and said my trees looked more like lollipops,” he recalled.
Ronan McHugh, who represented many of the school’s GAA teams during his time at St Joseph’s College, said he will “always be proud” to say he was a pupil at the Enniskillen school.
“I will always be proud to say I went to St Joseph’s College. The teachers were always there to give me a helping hand no matter how often I may have driven them up the walls,” he said.
“I’ll always hold special memories made such as representing the school at sporting events and getting away on trips such as skiing. I’ll remember those experiences with great fondness.”
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