St Scire’s Primary School in Trillick will mark 50 years since its opening next year. The school in County Tyrone faced a bomb attack during construction that postponed its start by two to three years.

Current principal Iggy Gallagher attended the school as one of its first pupils when it opened in 1976. He began his role as principal in 2006 after nearly 20 years in the position. Before that, Gallagher taught at St Joseph’s Primary School in Ederney for almost 10 years and at St Malachy’s Glencull Primary School in Dungannon.

Gallagher studied at St Mary’s University College in Belfast after secondary school at St Michael’s College in Enniskillen.

Former principal John Donnelly joined the staff in 1977. Jim O’Hagan served as the first principal for one year after the delays. Fiona Donnelly acted as principal for 18 months before Gallagher took over.

Donnelly reported 110 pupils when he started, rising to 126 the next year with the addition of a fifth teacher.