Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland who was the Main Celebrant at the Golden Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s, pictured with Principal, Mr Jarlath Burns and members of the Board of Governors: Mr Damien McKenna, Mr Ciaran Mackin (Vice-chair of Governors), Fr Dermot (Chaplain), Ms Donna Sloan, Mrs Eileen Fearon (Chair of Governors) and Mrs Majella Anderson.

There is lots of excitement and anticipation this year in St Paul’s as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee. St Paul’s opened in September 1966 and over the ensuing years has gone from strength to strength.

One of the main events to occur in this special year was the celebration of a mass of thanksgiving, with His Grace the Most Rev Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, as the main celebrant. Guests at the mass included past principals, chaplains, original pupils and staff from 1966; members of our board of governors and of course our present pupils and staff.

The music was performed by the school choirs under the direction of Mr Colm Murphy, Ms Bridie McAvoy and Mr Peter Slane. It was an integral part of the celebrations helping to create a spiritually up- lifting, joyous and moving experience for all.

In thanking all those who contributed to the Mass, Mr Jarlath Burns, Principal, paid tribute to the staff and pupils who had passed away during the past fifty years and said the school community held them in a special place in their hearts. He also had a special word of praise for the three past principals who were in attendance and whose work and effort had got the school to the place it is today. He welcomed principals from the local schools and stated that St Paul’s enjoys excellent relations with all its partner schools. He concluded by saying that this was a momentous day for the school and that all involved should feel proud of what the school stands for and what it has achieved and that the future was bright for a school that is so close to the hearts of the people of south Armagh. 

The day concluded with a delicious lunch for all who attended the mass.

The year’s celebrations will be completed with an exciting Gala Ball in The Carrickdale Hotel, on May 5th. Further details on the ball and other events can be obtained from the school.

See more photos below from the event.