Drumduff PS closure confirmed

A LOCAL school which has had just 12 pupils throughout the past year will close when the summer term finishes at the end of this month.

The Department for Education has this week confirmed the fate of Drumduff Primary School. It is situated near Sixmilecross and the decision marks the end of almost a century of education at the school which will officially come to an end on August 31.

Enrolments and admissions have fallen significantly during the past few years. There have been no year one pupils for the past five years, and the total enrolment has also fallen from 33 in 2018/19, 29 the following year, a total of 22 in 2020/21, 18 in 2021/22 and now only 12.

A decision to approve the closure has now been confirmed by the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education.

It is expected that pupils who would have been intending to attend Drumduff will now go to St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School in Beragh, or any one of five schools within a five mile radius.

The decision has been expected by parents and staff for some time.

Concerns over the sustainability of the school have been central to the decision, which has been greeted with dismay within the local community.

Over the years, the school became renowned for its prowess at handball and gaelic football.

Many of its pupils gained success for Brackey Handball club in Ulster, All-Ireland and World competitions, while in football players represented the local Beragh Red Knights club with distinction.

It is expected that a special event to mark the closure of the school will take place later this year. Plans are currently being put in place for what will be a liturgical celebration of the school’s history and its significance at the heart of the community for over 87 years.

Amazingly, throughout that time, the school was served by just three Principals. Mr John McCullagh was succeeded by his son, the late Vincent, who was then in turn succeeded by Gerard Potynz.