Nostalgia abounds at St Peter's NS 90th anniversary celebrations
Nostalgia was in the air on Wednesday morning last as St Peter's National School hosted a special event to mark 90 years of primary education on the west side of Athlone.
Former pupils, teachers and friends of St Peter's NS joined in the milestone celebrations which commenced with mass in Ss Peter & Paul Church and continued with refreshments in the school hall in the early afternoon. Speaking post event, school principal Naos Connaughton said that it was an occasion to remember as educational experiences of times past were recalled during the celebration. He explained Fr John Deignan celebrated a special mass in Ss Peter & Paul Church during which there was a presentation on the history of the school.
"The celebratory mood continued in the school hall where our former principal Anne Fagan and two former past pupils, now current teachers, Sandra Lennon and Leonora Hanley, cut the 90th anniversary birthday cake," Naos explained.
Former pupils of the school had the opportunity to pore through roll books dating back to the 1950s and 1960s and share fond memories of their St Peter's NS experiences.
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School principal Naos Connaughton is pictured with Sr Patrica Kelly and Mary Costello at the St Peter’s NS 90th anniversary celebrationsImage 2 of 3
Former pupils Geraldine Whelan, Kathleen Lohan and Trudy Barnett leaf through old photographs during the St Peter’s NS 90th anniversary celebrationsImage 3 of 3
Sandra Lennon, Anne Greaney and Catherine Hannon pictured at the St Peter’s NS 90th anniversary celebrations"The occasion was one to cherish, filled with much joy and happiness as school connections remembered with fondness their times spent in St Peter's NS. We were also joined by the current school choir who added to the occasion entertaining all those present with their beautiful sound," Naos said.
Thoughts now turn to the hosting of the school's 100th anniversary celebrations which are due to take place in 2034.