The Changes

In 1961, the school building was typical of its time - no running water, no indoor toilets, little lighting and poor heating. By today's standards it would be regarded as primitive and huge reliance was placed on the practical support given by the parents. Each autumn, for example, turf was brought by the parents to the school to provide the only source of heating - the open fire in each classroom. Milk bottles were placed by the fireside with corks removed to prevent popping. The rooms were large and draughty and provided poor comfort to children who had to travel long distances by foot to school in all kinds of weather. Strong fire screens were often used to dry damp caps and coats. A frequent complaint with such little warmth was, "tá mo lámha fuar".

Aughrim N.S. 2000

Change is inevitable and time marches forward. Just as technology was introduced in the 70's, 1998 saw the arrival of the computers. It was with great enthusiasm that poems were printed, projects compiled and information accessed in a way previously unimagined. The children delighted in designing and producing their own greeting cards and following the exploits, across the world, of the elusive Carmen San Diego. A world of change has expanded possibilities and dimensions that were undreamt of in earlier years in Aughrim.

Our School Centenary

Aughrim N.S. Centenary Celebrations commenced on Saturday, August 5th 2000 when past pupils gathered at the school to look at the roll books. Every book from 1899,when pupils transferred down from Rodeen N.S. was available. During the afternoon Mrs Pauline McElhone directed a sports day in Charlie Burke's field for children who had gathered from far and near. Many years after he left the football field Des Newton's athletic prowess was still evident when he stormed to victory in the men 's race. Jim Owens provided musical entertainment. Children of all ages enjoyed a trip on the pony and trap, which was driven by Mr Liam Farrell.

Sunday morning dawned and parishioners gathered early at Aughrim Parish church to greet her Excellency, President Mary McAleese Uachtaran na hEireann. The President arrived at 10.25a.m and was greeted by members of the Centenary Committee. Those who greeted the President were Father John Joe Gannon, Chairman, Anna Feely, Secretary; Kevin Neary, Treasurer; Mrs Celine O'Connell, Mai Cunningham, Detta Metcalfe, Mary Tarpey, Charles O'Beirne, Alo Gannon, Agnes Meehan and Eithne Cryan. Her husband Martin and her Aide de Comp accompanied the President. Pupils of the school members of the Tracey O' Neill school of dancing greeted the President at the church doors. Lily Duignan, diocesan director of catechetics acted as the President's Chaplin.

Bishop Christopher Jones and Father Patrick O Beirne, a past pupil of the school greeted the President at the church door and the President took part in a liturgical procession to the altar. Anna Feely, Aughrim N.S Principal and Secretary of the Centenary committee delivered an address of welcome to the President from the pulpit. Pat Burke lighted a centenary candle, Lacken the oldest past pupil at the mass and Orla Glancy, Cloonfad the youngest pupil on roll in the 1900-2000 school year. Father Gannon directed the choir. The President read the first reading from the book of Daniel and the second reading was read by Celine O'Connell former Principal in Aughrim N.S. Bishop Jones delivered the homily. The prayers of the faithful were read by Sr. Regina Duignan, Deirdre Meehan, Noel Reynolds, Aidan McGrath, Grace Mc Elhone, Sr.Anna Beirne, Gary Vesey and Laura O Beirne. The Tracey O Neill dancers danced up the aisle and entertained the congregation prior to the offertory.

The offertory procession commenced with Frances Cunninghan carring a sundial, which was carved before the famine. Jackie Neary carried the first roll book. Alo Gannon carried an old slate used by the Clarke family prior to 1990 in Rodeen N.S. Tracey Ann Glancy carried a pen, which was used by her great grandfather Francis Glancy of Tawnabo. Dr Marie Clarke of Lacken carried a copy of the Centenary publication of which she was editor. Denise Tiernan carried a photograph of the present pupils of the school and finally Catherine O Flynn carried the ciborium and Sean Beirne the water and wine. Father Gannon delivered an address and he presented the President with a rose bowl. On this bowl was inscribed a Celtic cross which was found at the excavation of Aughrim old cemetery and which is dated from the seventh century. Anna Feely read the community refection. After mass the President mingled with the congregation before making her departure.

Immediately after mass, the centenary stone was unveiled by Bishop Jones at the school. The school band played the National Anthem and the Kerry Polka. Many of the past pupils of the school were present with framed certificates by Celine O Connell to mark their years of attendance.

Later in the afternoon a presentation of the last sunset of the new Millennium was made to Pat Flanagan of Boyannagh in the Old Convent Nursing home in Elphin. Pat is the oldest surviving past pupil. A presentation was also made to Orla Glancy of Cloonfad the youngest pupil in the roll. All afternoon pupils congregated at the school.

At 5p.m. a Millenium mass was celebrated by Fr.Gannon, Fr Hugh Lee, Fr. Francis Glennon and Fr. Pat O Beirne in the old graveyard. A wreath laying ceremony took place on the graves of deceased teachers.

At 8pm hundreds of people gathered at the Landmark Hotel in Carrick on Shannon where Fr. Noel Durr, Parish Priest launched the "Aughrim N.S.-One hundred years-and growing." After dinner Pat King introduced the speakers. Father Gannon, Dr.Marie Clarke, Anna Feely, Father Durr, Celine O Connell and Kevin Neary all spoke. The dancing concluded in the early hours and past pupils from all over the world had enjoyed meeting each other for the first time in many years.

Celebrations continued in the school on the Monday. Many past pupils returned. A car treasure hunt brought people from the school, to Hillstreet village, to the old Cloonfad School, to Killumod and back again to the school. This was organised by Eamon Magrath and Carmelita Caslin and the winner was Barry Metcalfe. Patrick O Flynn brought guests on a tour of historical points of interest in the parish.

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