St Mary's Primary School in Teemore, County Fermanagh, has celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of events including a commemorative mass, a community gathering, and the burial of a time capsule.

The school opened in 1975 following the amalgamation of three small rural schools. Joe Donnelly served as the first principal. He previously taught on Belfast's Falls Road, where he recalled widespread poverty and noted that one of his pupils was Gerry Conlon, who later became known as a member of the Guildford Four.

Enrolment has grown significantly over the decades. Initially around 70 to 80 pupils, numbers peaked at 147, requiring the dinner hall to be used as a classroom. The school is now oversubscribed and operates composite classes in some year groups.

Recent sporting achievements were also highlighted during the anniversary. The Primary 7 girls' football team won the Fermanagh Division 1 league championship, defeating Holy Trinity at Brewster Park. The boys' team reached the Division 1 final. Teacher and coach Darragh Kavanagh said several past pupils now play at county level and there are likely future Fermanagh players among the current squad.

Julianne McManus, principal since September 2022, described the school as the heart of the Teemore community, noting that generations of families have attended. She said planning the anniversary required substantial effort from staff and volunteers, with local GAA clubs providing logistics support and a nearby chef lending equipment.

The celebration included a mass at the adjacent St Mary's Church and live music from past pupils known as The McBarrons. The Tumbling Paddies also made an appearance. Pupils contributed stories and poems to a time capsule, which was buried beside a newly planted anniversary tree.

Mrs McManus stated that while enrolment fluctuates, the school remains a positive choice for families in the area and will continue to serve children in Teemore for as long as there is demand.