Huge turnout in north Longford for Moyne CS 50th anniversary celebrations

The 50th anniversary of Moyne CS was marked by a weekend of celebrations and events.

The North Longford school was opened in 1974, having been an amalgamation of the old Latin School and Ballinamuck Vocational School.

It has been a huge success story since then and has developed a great reputation for academic and sporting success.

The events to mark the anniversary of the school began on Thursday night last, with a gala dinner in the Breffni Arms Hotel in nearby Arva.

The dinner was held for retired staff of the school. Past members of the Board of Management also attended. These included Kathleen Hourican from Arva, who is the last surviving member of the first board of management.

PICTURES | Longford school life quarter of a century ago - Moyne CS time capsule from 1999 opened

On Friday last, there was a Mass of Thanksgiving and Remembrance celebrated by Bishop Paul Connell in the Gym.

This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony to remember past staff and pupils who have departed this world.

Saturday last was an opportunity for past students to return to the school. Deputy Principal Paddy McPhillips (who has taught in the school since 1993) admitted to the Leader that the school was “overwhelmed by the huge turnout.”

“There were maybe over 1,000 past students who came to the school on Saturday. They were there from 11 am until about 7.30 pm, which was longer than we had scheduled originally,” he explained.

“The event went very well,” he added.

One of the highlights for the visiting past students was looking at the contents of the time capsule, which was opened last week, having been closed in December 1999.

Also read: Longford school time capsule opened after 25 years

“One person was emotional when they started looking at the capsule. We are filling another capsule, which will be closed on May 22nd, the day of the graduation mass for our Leaving Cert students,” Paddy stated.

“The weekend was very positive and it was amazing to listen to people sharing their memories of being in the school,” he added.

Another event over the weekend saw departed members of the school community remembered in the memorial garden.
These included Fr. Phil McGee, who was the first principal of the school until his death in 1975.

A booklet was produced to mark the anniversary. “We printed 1,000 copies. Parents of the current students will be given an opportunity to buy a copy and the remaining copies will be distributed in local shops,” Paddy explained.

Also read: Huge occasion in North Longford as Moyne Community School host Golden Jubilee celebration

Moyne CS has enjoyed a lot of sporting success over the years. Many photos on the school walls celebrate these achievements.
These include winning the All-Ireland ‘B’ Colleges gaelic football title in 2002 and winning a number of All-Ireland basketball titles.

The school has produced three GAA All-Stars (Dermot McCabe, Seamus Quinn and Raymond Galligan) and five Irish athletics internationals (Danny O’Toole, Nelvin Appiah, Cian McPhilips (the Deputy Principal’s son), James Miney and Emma Brennan.
Sean Prunty, who won two FAI Cup medals with Longford town, also attended the school.

Perhaps the entire weekend was summed up best by a comment on social media. “Special and emotional evening. Privilege to be part of the history of this special school,” one post read.

PICTURES | Glitz and glamour at Longford GAA and ladies football gala awards ceremony