Beragh teacher’s video message to children goes viral

A BERAGH teacher now working as a school principal in Lisburn was surprised when his message to pupils went viral on twitter, attracting more than 40,000 views.

Barry McMahon is the head teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School and recorded the special message on his mobile phone to give the children a boost as they work from home due to the coronavirus restrictions.

In the two minute video, Mr McMahon encourages the children to enjoy their schoolwork, but also to get out into the countryside. He finishes by encouraging them to ask their mothers and fathers for a treat, and said he would be having a hot chocolate.

Within hours, the message was the most successful ever posted on the school’s twitter account.

It has subsequently attracted interest from far beyond the immediate school community.

“I didn’t expect anyone to look at the message apart from the children and their families,” he said.

“My aim was to send out a message of positivity at the end of the first week of lockdown.

“I turned on the camera and just kept talking. There was definitely no thought of it going viral or anything like that.

“Then, suddenly, my phone started pinging with notifications,” he explained.

“One of the other staff texted me to say that the message had got the most views we’ve ever had on the twitter account. Then, she told me it had gone viral.

“People who I hadn’t spoken to in 20 years began to get in contact,” Mr McMahon said.

“ It was nice to hear from them again, especially to be able to make plans when this current lockdown ends.”

Mr McMahon intends continuing to post the messages during the coming weeks, but isn’t expecting them to continue to go viral.

“Now there are a few parents telling me how they’re looking forward to another Friday message, so I’ll have to keep doing it in the coming weeks,” he added.

“But if the children at St Joseph’s enjoy them, then that’s good enough for me.

“That’s the audience I’m looking for.”