Crowds turn out for St Mary’s fundraiser

HUGE crowds turned out to the first St Patrick’s Day coffee morning at St Mary’s Primary School in Fivemiletown, which raised £750 in vital funding for Macmillan Cancer Support.

While enjoying homemade treats, the local community was entertained by dancers from Fivemiletown’s McQuaid McFarland School of Irish Dancing and a guest dancer from Scoil Rince Ní Bhrogáin, followed by some beautiful fiddle playing by Katie Deery of Augher.

Marie McFarland, of the McQuaid McFarland School, said, “We were delighted to have been invited along to St Mary’s on St Patrick’s Day and for some of our dancers to entertain the local community, all while raising money for such a worthy cause.

“These kinds of events mean so much to us, as they are an opportunity for our families, friends and neighbours to share in our love of Irish dance and celebrate together. We are so proud of our dancers and glad to have been a part of a wonderful morning in the school.”

Fr Brendan Gallagher, parish priest of St Mary’s, said, “We had a wonderful morning together celebrating St Patrick’s Day and fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, which is a cause that will be close to the hearts of many across our community. It was lovely to see such a great crowd and to enjoy the wonderful music and dancing, and huge thanks must go to all of the parents who worked together to make the event such a success.”

Earlier this year, staff and children at St Mary’s celebrated after plans to close the Clogher Valley school were withdrawn after a successful campaign which garnered huge support in the local community.