St. Joseph's Centenary Celebrations 2018-2019

In autumn 2018, St. Joseph's celebrated 100 years of education. Since the school first opened in 1918, St. Joseph's has played a central role in the educational, cultural and artistic life of the town and its hinterland. To mark and celebrate this, the centenary celebrations began on September 24th 2018, Mercy Day, when students, staff and parents celebrated the opening of the 100th school year. On Wednesday, October 24th, Festival Folk returned to the TF Royal Theatre where St.  Joseph’s School Choirs and traditional groups, St Angela’s School Traditional Group, Brave Giant, Eleanor Shanley and Julie Feeney all delighted the audience with their performances.
The main centenary celebrations took place over the weekend of October 27th and 28th. St. Joseph’s opened its doors to the many past pupils and staff, who attended St. Joseph's down through the years. Over this historic weekend, past pupils and former staff, going back over many generations took the opportunity to renew their ties with their former school, and reunite with their classmates. The open day at the school provided a journey down memory lane, with exhibitions, old photographs and historic memorabilia on display, all enhanced by music recitals from our present students. After viewing the excellent displays, refreshments were provided in the school library where groups of former friends were able to relax and reminisce while being treated to a traditional afternoon tea, all served up in delicate china teapots and tea cups.
The events on Sunday commenced with Mass at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Rosary, celebrated by Fr. Conal Eustace, P.P., and this was followed by the Gala Centenary Dinner at Breaffy House Hotel featuring music from the students of St. Joseph’s and followed by dancing to Hipnosis. A great night was had by all.

Following this, members of the student council planted ten native trees on the grounds of St. Joseph’s to mark the centenary year. All staff and students were presented with memorial badges engraved with the Mercy Crest. St. Joseph's remembers its Principal past and present.

Principals of St. Joseph's Secondary School

Sr. Tereasa Ryan
Sr. Peter Tierney
Sr. Agnes O’Rourke
Sr. Mary Hennelly
Mairead Colleran
Áine Bn Uí Mhórain
Marie MacCabe (Current Principal)