School Days Archives | Page 4 of 16

Changing Schools

January 31, 2021 by John McCullagh

If our garment-mak

If our garment-making at St Joseph‘s Primary School fell somewhat short of Dior standards, it is also true that our cookery could scarcely be termed ‘cordon bleu’.

One day a week, armed with ‘ingredients’ brought from home, we trooped over to the cookery room that was presided over by Sister Immaculata.

Abbey Boys 1965 : 2

January 30, 2021 by John McCullagh

We’re still awaiting the other names in my first photo of Abbey Boys of 1965.

Gerry Monaghan : Family

July 8, 2019June 13, 2019 by John McCullagh

Mindful of its gloomy history, I have always regarded the quarry with thoughtful apprehension. Despite this, as an older boy I would go fishing for spricks (sticklebacks) in its clouded, enigmatic waters. The spricks were much bigger here and so more desirable.

Later as teenagers, filled with the wild daring of that capricious age, we actually swam there. We would climb down the rocks to a ledge just above water level. The ledge afforded space for our clothes and allowed us to bask when the sun shone. Sheltered as it was by the high surrounding rocks, it then became a sun trap. From this ledge we would manfully plunge into the water, mindless of its awesome depth. We would then splash about with the clamorous exuberance of youth, shouting lustily, amused by the repeating echoes from the rocks around. Yet despite our apparent dare-devil abandonment, the water’s deep menace lurked in our minds like a prowling shark. When a swimmer occasionally felt some unthinkable, aquatic abomination touch his foot, all dare-devil pretence vanished in a frenzied flurry of white water as the would-be Tarzan swam frantically, flailing the water, seeking the safety of the ledge.

Abbey 5H class 1975/6

May 27, 2020February 25, 2012 by John McCullagh

Amazingly, it is thirty-six years ago. I have two children older than that! I’d like to learn where they all are now. (No! Not my children. They keep me informed. The Abbey boys, I mean!). Here’s a start! Maurice McCavitt (brother of Seamus and Dr John) has the Bureau de Change on Hill Street. I think Francie McCracken is still out in Clanrye Avenue working in the swimming pool. Kevin Lyons is still about town. In fact he lives up near me in Druncashellone.