Convent of Mercy NS, Belturbet, celebrates centenary year in style

'In August 1868 the Sisters of Mercy first arrived in Belturbet to teach in the primary school situated beside the old St. Mary"s Church in Railway Road,' explains Ms. Flynn. 'The school as we know it today was built in 1909 and hence we"re celebrating our centenary.' While much has changed in the educational system over the past century, the important principles remain the same. Pointing out wainscoting on the walls conserved from 100 years ago, Ms. Flynn notes that while the school building has been upgraded, the important architectural features of the original building have been retained. 'Apart from our recently installed prefabs, very few changes have been made to the school building and its environs since its construction in 1909,' says Ms. Flynn. 'The main school building itself, inside and out, still retains its original architectural features and character, having been well maintained throughout the century.' She is keen to add, however, that with pupils actively involved in extra-curricular activities, including sport, music, song, set dance, sean nós dance, drama and lots more, there is a lot more to impress at the school than just the architecture. 'It"s not just a building, regardless of its appearance, or indeed a roll number that makes a school,' reflects Ms. Flynn. 'A school, by its very nature encompasses a myriad of elements, some of which include the people, both pupils and staff, its history and ethos, the curriculum - both hidden and taught, the culture of the school, to mention but a few, all of which contribute to the definition of a school as pivotal to the community.' Celebrations Celebrations started in January with a performance in Belturbet Town Hall. For two shows the hall was packed to capacity as the school"s current pupils re-enacted various aspects of school, town and country life over the lifetime of the school. Scenes included nuns teaching and singing, apple and berry picking, turf and coal being brought to the school for the open fire, the distribution of St. Anthony"s bread and an American wake, and with children doing sean nós and set dancing, it was an informative and entertaining trip down memory lane. Another highlight of the centenary celebrations was the Liam Lawton concert on Friday, April 24, at Belturbet"s Church of the Immaculate Conception. For this spectacular event, the school commissioned this highly regarded singer to write a song for pupils of the Convent of Mercy School, the result being a moving performance of 'Come Bless The Lord'. A great success, the concert was described as 'a memorable occasion for Belturbet'. Celebrations for the centenary year are set to peak over the August bank holiday weekend. On August 1 at noon, all will be welcome at a centenary Mass. This will be followed by an open day in the school (1pm-6pm). This will be a perfect opportunity for a trip down memory lane for all those who have been involved in the school over its lifetime. Find out if the school around the corner really is just the same. The main celebration that weekend will be the centenary banquet in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell on August 2. This is the ideal setting for people associated with the school - whether from the past decade or early in the last century - to renew their school acquaintances, according to Ms. Flynn. There has already been great interest from people from places as far afield as Australia and America, and the organisers are committed to ensuring that no one will miss out on the opportunity to meet their old friends. Committee members suggest that past pupils of all ages could get in touch with their former classmates and have a 'reunion within a reunion'. Centenary book A special centenary book is currently in the final stages of production, and will be unveiled at the centenary banquet in the Slieve Russell on August 2. 'Requests for articles, poems and memories of the school were put out to the community in order for the book to be compiled,' explains Ms. Flynn. 'We received articles, photos and memorabilia for the book,' she says, adding that she"s grateful to all who contributed their treasured memories for the book, which is being edited by former school principals from the locality Jim McGuinn and Brendan McCann. 'We are very lucky that the parents and community are very supportive of our school and this is reflected in their regular attendance at school organised events.' It is hoped that the book will be on sale in local shops and businesses during the Festival of the Erne, which is during the last week in July. September 24 will be another key date in celebrations. Mercy Day, as it is known, will be marked with Lá Aonaigh (fair day) being re-enacted in the school by exhibitors and current pupils. The Board of Management will also unveil a plaque to mark this unique occasion. Ms. Flynn wishes to thank all those on both the centenary committee and book committee for their dedication and hard work. 'No doubt celebrations will continue right up until December,' she concludes. For tickets for the centenary banquet, contact Rosaleen Howard at 049-4331688 or 086-8486846 or Convent of Mercy National School at 049-9522992. To make a donation to the school"s centenary celebrations, contact the treasurer of the committee, Eileen McEnri at 049-9522195.