From turf fires to iPads as Longford's Lenamore national school celebrates fifty years

Friday, March 20, marked exactly 50 years to the day when Lenamore National School in Legan moved from the old schoolhouse to its current location. 

To mark the occasion, former staff, pupils and locals were invited to the school to attend a special mass in honour of the occasion along with a social get together afterwards.

In attendance at the event was former headmaster Joe Hunt, who was at the helm in 1976 when the move took place. 

After the crowd walked to the old schoolhouse, Joe wittily recounted to much laughter a variety of anecdotes from 1970’s school life. 

“Children brought their own lunches and a bottle of Lilt” Joe explained. “There was a well nearby where we would get water for lunchtime.

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“We had no water in the school, no basins, no toilet!” he said before then adding humorously, “Our toilets were over the river there, girls on the left, boys on the right!”  

“There were no landlines or mobile phones in the school,” he said, the very thought of which prompted a perfectly timed response from one young pupil in the crowd, “Scandalous! Absolutely scandalous!” 

Joe recalled how open turf fires heated the classrooms, and inspired memories among past pupils and teachers when he described the 30 minute struggle of trying to relight it on a frosty morning.  

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He added, “Children also brought a sod of turf with them into school each morning. 

“Some parents would bring a load of turf each year. It was dumped outside the school and there was a scramble among the boys to bring in the turf. 

“They were all  keen to bring in the turf because it took up a lot of time. I was often amazed at how they were able to time it. 

“Even though they had no watches, they would ensure they had the job finished at 5 minutes to 3. School ended at 3!” 

Cllr Paul Ross, a former student of the school, is a member of the Board of Management and he was involved with the organising committee behind the hugely enjoyable anniversary celebration.

Speaking to the Longford Leader, Cllr Ross said, “We wanted to commemorate the move from the old schoolhouse. 

“In 1976 there was no ceremony, the priest and the principal just walked up from the old school through the village to the new school on Friday March 20, 1976.

So to celebrate the 50th anniversary, we had Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois Paul Connell say a Mass for all the pupils.” 

He added, “There was quite a large number of current pupils, former pupils, parents, staff and locals at the event. 

“Many former pupils were involved in the Mass too, bringing up gifts, doing readings and playing instruments. 

Then we walked back down to the old school where Master Joe Hunt gave a great speech about what school practices were like back then.

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Joe spoke of how back in 1976 there were blackboards with chalk and dusters. Obviously in schools now there’s electronic whiteboards and they all have laptops and iPads, central heating at the touch of a button. It's changed dramatically in 50 years.”

In a touching symbolic gesture, a 50 year time capsule was created. Said Cllr Ross, “Every child in the school contributed by writing a little bit about themselves, what they like, what they're studying and so on. We knocked out a block and placed the time capsule inside. We’re going to plaster it back over and it'll be opened again in 50 years time.”

On the day of the event, Parish Priest and Board of Management Chairperson, Father Vinny Connaughton thanked St Patrick for the good weather shining on the outdoor event and spoke of the remarkable milestone.

“It continues to be a place where Faith learning and community are coming together and working together in the heart of Legan,” he said.  

In her speech, the current Lenamore National School principal Margo Smith said the past few weeks had been filled with nostalgia as they “poured over a plethora of photographs” taken throughout the last 50 years.

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Addressing her own former pupils in attendance, she joked, “while it’s great to see you, I am really beginning to feel my age!” 

In her speech, Ms Smith highlighted the importance of the village school and in closing, added, “We celebrate not just a building, but a community, a history and a shared journey. 

“Here’s to the generations that have gone before us, those with us today, and those still yet to come.”