Fond memories of old Culmore school recalled 50 years later

FIFTY years ago this week, Culmore National School in the Tamlaght Road area of Omagh closed it doors for the last time, as the construction of the new St Conor’s Primary School was drawing to a conclusion.

Prior to its closure, Culmore National School provided a first-class education for generations of local youths. It first opened its doors in September 1914, just one month into the First World War, replacing Cornabracken School which was situated close by.

Having finally shut its doors in 1973, Culmore National School was replaced by St Conor’s Primary School which opened several months later with an enrolment of 216 pupils.

Former pupil, sand keen local historian, Paddy Hunter, recalls those final days in Culmore as well as the move to St Conor’s, having been one of the first to walk through its doors as a young boy.

Over the years, he has collected a wealth of knowledge regarding records of the old school’s attendance and development.

Speaking with the UlsterHerald this week, Mr Hunter said, despite being built in 1914, the old school contained an even more intriguing piece of Omagh’s history dating back to the late nineteenth century.

He said, “The school building and surrounding wall had been built by stone from the defunct and demolished Omagh Gaol, famously a grave marker from the old gaol, dated 1880 is still there, the marking GC standing for George Conway, the last man hanged at the Gaol.”

The school maintained high standards and was a popular place for education with music and tradition playing a big part in the school community with Feis success a plenty over the years in music, song and recitation.

Having attended the school in its final years ahead of moving to St Conor’s, Mr Hunter recalled, “Master MacRory and Miss Mossey were joined by Mrs Ellen Ward in 1965 and Mrs Rose Quinn in 1969 while a young male teacher, Mr Neill Barbour joined the staff of Culmore in September 1972, becoming the last teacher to be employed there.

“After 60 years it all came to an end, but thankfully the historic building remained, it became the home for the Fourth Tyrone Scouts before St Eugene’s Band took it over.

“Since then, it has had a complete overhaul but it hasn’t lost its facade and a walk around the grounds still echo of days gone by.

“The new school, St Conor’s opened in September 1973 and fifty years later it will celebrate that anniversary in the new school year.”

With plans for a 1973 St Conor’s school reunion in the works, you can find more information regarding both the reunion and the history of Culmore National School and St Conor’s via the Facebook page ‘Culmore and St Conors at 50’.