A south Armagh primary school which has been celebrating its 180th anniversary has been recognised and praised on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Jonesborough Primary had staged a special ‘Late Late Show’ event at the Carrickdale Hotel on Friday night, as part of a host of celebrations to mark the milestone over the past year.
And in the Assembly on Monday, Infrastructure Minister and Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins ensured the work and efforts of all associated with Jonesborough PS was brought to a wider stage.
Sending her congratulations, she said: “The school was founded during the great hunger here in Ireland in 1845. The building that the children attend today is the same building that was established almost two centuries ago. Steeped in history, the school has shown superb resilience and endurance, given what it has come through over that period.
“It remains a very strong, positive environment for children, and indeed the community, in rural Jonesborough.
“Last Friday night in the Carrickdale Hotel, the school community came together with past pupils, supporters, family and friends to celebrate and reminisce about everything that the school has achieved.
“They heard all the different memories from people who have attended the school, and it was a very successful night celebrating everything about Jonesborough Primary School.
“I congratulate the Friends of Jonesborough Primary School, the school and the entire community for their fantastic recognition of an incredible milestone. I really look forward to what the future holds for Jonesborough Primary School.”
The school is very much a focal point in the village and, as part of its year of reflection, created a special place on its website to detail events and occasions of note.
Its website hails an “extraordinary milestone” in the form of “180 years of learning, growth, and community spirit”.
And it adds: “Since our founding in 1845, the school has been at the heart of Jonesborough, shaping generations of pupils, fostering lifelong friendships, and serving as a cornerstone of our community.
“This landmark year will be celebrated in a variety of ways, honouring our rich history while embracing the present and looking forward to an inspiring future. From special events and activities to stories from past and current pupils, staff, and the wider community, there is much to explore and enjoy.”
During the course of the Late Late Show event at the Carrickdale Hotel, the school took the opportunity to look back on some of the many people who helped shape its history, either as past pupils or members of staff.
It was, according to organisers, a “poignant and reflective moment in the night, as a full Lacey’s fell silent while many familiar faces appeared on screen”.
The school has since shared footage on their social media channels to great acclaim as they look forward to many more years of educational excellence and learning at the heart of their close-knit community.
