St. Mary’s College in Derry has recently celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the school. The school was founded by the Sisters of Mercy and was the first all girls’ Secondary School in Derry when it opened its doors on 14th September, 1959. This is a particularly poignant time for St. Mary’s as it is the process of moving to a brand new purpose built school on a new site in September 2010.
The Anniversary Year was launched in September 2009. The Opening Year Mass for all staff and pupils took place in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday 16th September. At this Mass a specially written Jubilee Prayer dedicated to Our Lady, patron of our school, was prayed for the first time. This prayer is said every morning at Assembly and will continue to be said for the rest of the school year. At Mass each pupil was presented with a Golden Jubilee version of the original Truth Badge to be worn on their blazer throughout the year. The original badge was designed by Sr. Aloysius, former Principal of the school.
To mark the 50th Anniversary a number of very successful events have taken place. One such event was the launch of the eagerly awaited publication “Fifty Years of Golden Memories – St. Mary’s College 1959 – 2009”, in the Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry in early October.
Sisters Who Have Been On The Staff Of St. Mary’s College In Derry
Sr. Emmanuel Mason
Sr. Perpetua McVeigh
Sr. Catherine O’Mara (Sr. Finbar)
Sr. Philomena Donaghy
Sr. Patricia McHenry
Sr. Assumpta O’Neill
Sr. Catherine Boyle
Sr. Frances O’Kane
Sr. Ethna Kelly
Sr. Dolores McGuinnes
Sr. Deirdre Mullan
Sr. Nellie McLaughlin
Sr. Perpetua McNulty
Sr. Gertrude Gallagley
Sr. Aloysius McVeigh
Sr. Agatha O’Doherty
Sr. Alphonsus Hegarty
Sr. Kevin Doherty
Sr. Rose Sharkey
Sr. Ethna Bradley (secretary)
Sr. Bridgeen Wilson
Sr. Patricia Meenan
Sr. Assumpta O’Neill giving the Address at the Jubilee Mass
The book was commissioned as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration. It tells the story of the school from its inception in 1959 when the Sisters of Mercy opened its doors as the first all girls Secondary School to its present twenty–first Century College. It is a ‘must have’, treat for anyone who has an association with the school. The reader is taken on a memorable journey through fifty eventful years of dedicated academic endeavour in a supportive community environment. The book tells the story of the tremendous spirit and courage of the pupils and staff alike as they maintained an oasis of calm amidst the backdrop of the turbulent years of the troubles…The book is filled with photographs, articles and stories told by pupils and staff, past and present. Faces from the five decades of the school smile out of every page, willing the reader to continue turning the pages.
On Thursday 22nd October there was a Past Pupil’s Reunion, in the form of a Guest Tea, held in the school. This event allowed past pupils the opportunity of once again walking the corridors and reacquainting with old friends. Over four hundred past pupils attended this event.
On Tuesday 17th November a Gala Concert in Celebration of the Golden Jubilee took place in the Millennium Forum. This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the celebrations. The tickets for this concert ‘sold like hotcakes’. It truly was an extravaganza of musical talent featuring a host of past and present pupils, among them Hollywood and West End actress Bronagh Gallagher, who flew back from Los Angeles specially to perform on stage. Other famous past pupils who performed on the evening included Laura Doherty, former Pop Idol finalist and Marie Murray recording artist and teacher. Local Radio Foyle presenter Mark Patterson was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
St. Mary’s College has always prided itself on its wonderful musical talent. Just two days before the Gala Concert the current school choir appeared on television in the final of RTE’s “All Island Choir of the Year” competition in the Ulster Hall in Belfast.
On Tuesday 8th December the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the official Anniversary of opening the school – Bishop Seamus Hegarty celebrated the 50th Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Creggan. Bishop Edward Daly retired Bishop of Derry, and Fr. George McLaughlin, the first Chaplain of the school concelebrated along with Fr. Stephen McLaughlin PP and Fr. Hasson CC. This day was the focal point of our celebrations as we rededicated the school to Mary.
Bishop Hegarty receiving the gifts
Jubilee Prayer
Mary our Mother
as patron of our school,
we entrust ourselves to your loving care.
May Respect for each other
be the light that guides us.
Help us in our Understanding so that we
May appreciate rather than condemn.
Hold in our hearts a love of Truth so that
By following your example and supported
By your grace, we may reflect God’s Hope for
All who share life together in this place of learning.
Our Lady, Guardian of St. Mary’s,
Pray for us.
Geraldine Doherty
Teacher St. Mary’s College
Creggan, Derry City
Northern Province
