Two teachers have retired from Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, closing a combined career of 52 years at the Co Fermanagh institution. Geography teacher Richard Mason and history teacher Stephen Gaston were honoured at an event on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Richard Mason joined the school, then Portora Royal, in 2004 after initially teaching in England. He became Head of Geography in 2005 and took on roles as Leader of Learning and later Curriculum Leader following the 2016 amalgamation that created Enniskillen Royal Grammar School. In the year before his retirement he served as a School Improvement Leader, focusing on data and pupil tracking.

Stephen Gaston arrived in Fermanagh in September 1996, expecting to stay only briefly. Instead he spent three decades at the school. Originally from Portadown, he held posts including Rugby Master, Housemaster, Behaviour Management Lead, and eventually Senior Teacher. He played a key part in the senior leadership team after the amalgamation.

Reflecting on his career, Mr Gaston said the most significant change he witnessed was technological, moving from handwritten registers to computerised systems. He described his teaching style as rooted in building relationships with pupils rather than relying on new tools.

Both teachers contributed beyond the classroom. Mr Mason led a staff wellbeing fitness programme after the pandemic and took up indoor rock climbing. Mr Gaston’s pastoral work earned a Families First Award and a nomination for Teacher of the Year in the local press.

The school acknowledged their dedication through decades of change, noting Mr Mason’s fairness and championing of pupils in need, and Mr Gaston’s direct manner and steady optimism. Colleagues wished both a happy retirement.