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A Moment in History
Taken from St. Columba's Church, Drung Sunday Bulletin
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
30th June 1991
The closure of three schools during the week brought to an end
a period of educational history in this area that began with the
1831 National Schools Act.
At noon on Monday, June 24th 1991, Drung National School closed.
This school, built in 1903, replaced an older school built in 1831
in what is now part of the graveyard of St. Columba's Church. In
1966, the school at Carrickmaquigley, known as Pucan School, built
in 1905, closed and amalgamated with Drung. During the eighty eight
years of its existence, just under one thousand pupils received
their primary education in Drung.
At noon on Wednesday, June 26th 1991, Clunelly National School
closed. Clunelly was opened in 1908 on the site of a previous school
built in 1832 - a thatched two room building. During the building
of the then new Clunelly, classes were held in the nearby home of
Mrs Mary McCallion. In 1967, Carrowkeel School, known locally as
Cabry, built in 1905, was closed and amalgamated with Clunelly.
During the eighty three years it served as a school, nine hundred
and forty eight pupils passed through its doors.
The third school to close, again at noon on Wednesday, June 26th
1991, was Scoil Naomh Colm, Clar. Clar School built relatively recently
in 1963, replaced the nearby old Clar School built in 1875. It was
in that year that the Tullynavin School closed and amalgamated with
Clar. Again, in 1899, the Ballyrattan School closed and amalgamated
with Clar. The Clar Schools were responsible for the education of
one thousand, one hundred and seventy two pupils.
SADNESS
At noon on Monday and Wednesday, the staffs and pupils of Clunelly,
Drung and Clar were joined by parents, past pupils, neighbours and
friends to say goodbye to the old places of learning. It was indeed
a time of much sadness and nostalgia. Would you be surprised to
know that the odd misty eye was detected among the departing pupils?
In grateful appreciation, we say goodbye to Clunelly, Drung and
Clar.
THE OPEN NIGHTS
As expected, the open night last Tuesday in Clunelly and Clar attracted
great crowds. In both schools, it was a tremendous occasion of chatting
and yarning, recalling memories, meeting old faces, reflecting wistfully
on the years and friends now gone. At the end of the night everybody
seemed reluctant to go home.
Both schools mounted a marvellous exhibition that aroused unbelievable
interest. The exhibition of past pupils' craft work in Clunelly
was a joy to see. It was breath taking in its excellence.
The refreshments served in both schools were as welcome as they
were enjoyable. Many thanks to all who helped.
Especially, we thank the staffs and pupils of both schools for
their work in preparing such a memorable night.
REMINDER
The Information Night for parents at Clunelly will take place in
the School on Monday, July 1st beginning at 7.30pm.
The Information Night for the parents of pupils at Clar will take
place in the School on Tuesday night, July 2nd beginning at 7.30pm.
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