Sporting excellence at Omagh High School for 60 years

EXCELLENT sporting provision has been a rich part of Omagh High School’s outstanding 60 years of education.

And we will start at the beginning of this great journey with some memories shared with us from the players of the first football team, in this captivating blast from the past.

Do you recognise anyone?

Pictured here, is the first football team ever formed in Omagh High School.

Formerly-known as ‘Omagh County Secondary School’ and coached under the guise of PE teacher, Gary Shaw, the line-up of sterling characters played in the Derry District School League, facing teams such as St Joseph’s; Templemore Secondary; Londonderry Technical College; and Faughan Valley.

The team consisted of first year pupils from all the catchment areas of the school, from the Hospital Road to Newtonstewart, and the team along with the school is remembered by
players for its community spirit and family feel.

Deric Henderson (number 6, left half) fondly remembers training on the vast Campsie Playing Fields after school and at weekends. He claims that one ‘Will Scott’ was the stand-out talent, and remembers at one point, losing his own captaincy badge due to too severe criticism of his team members!

Ronnie Jack (right half), who also recalls Will Scott being a ‘superior player’, recalls the maroon-coloured transit bus that picked him up on a Saturday at the bus stop beside the now Sperrin Restaurant on the journey to Londonderry to face the opposition.

There was not much room on the bus, and it was a bit rickety, but served its purpose of transporting the boys to and from their matches.

‘OUTSTANDING CHOICE’ FOR POST-16

Omagh High School is an outstanding choice for your post 16 studies, boasting an exciting and dynamic school community, with a strong focus on academic success.

Additionally, you will be joining a school and Sixth Form where you will be cared for, encouraged, challenged and gradually prepared for higher education or the world of work.

Omagh High School is a close knit community with a family atmosphere and a strong, caring ethos. Our staff take pride in students and their successes and you will fit in easily and soon feel at home.

Omagh High School is an ‘Outstanding’ school – the first controlled school in Northern Ireland to be awarded this accolade – with a comprehensive ‘Enrichment Programme’, including opportunities to undertake work placements and voluntary work which enhances our students’ experiences, their CV and their possibility of being accepted by the top Universities.

ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

As part of Omagh High School’s 60th anniversary celebrations, a series of events have been organised for the next academic year beginning with a special ‘Return To School’ evening on September 6, 2021.

Come and join us to experience outstanding education.