St Mary’s Primary School in Teemore, County Fermanagh, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Pupils have been reflecting on the changes the school has seen over five decades and their own aspirations for the future. Several 11-year-old pupils, including Conor Cassidy and Cian Lee, noted that the school has expanded significantly. They pointed to the addition of new classrooms in 2019 and said the building would have been much smaller when it first opened. A group of girls—Sophie McManus, Lucie Flannigan, Brona McBarron and Siofra Donohoe—also observed that the school has grown, with some buildings only in place for the past five years.

Looking ahead, Cian and Conor predicted further growth, possibly including more mobile classrooms to accommodate future pupils.

Asked about their career ambitions, Cian said he hopes to become a contractor, while Conor plans to be a farmer. Both boys already help on their family farms.

Sporting achievements were also highlighted. A boys’ football team reached a final and narrowly missed victory, while the school’s girls’ team, representing Knockninny, won a GAA tournament after a strong second-half performance, finishing six points ahead.

Pupils shared mixed feelings about moving to secondary school. Some described feeling sad, while others said they were nervous but also looking forward to a new chapter.

The anniversary marks five decades of education at the rural primary school, which continues to serve the local community.