KNOW YOUR PLACE Local History Project

KNOW YOUR PLACE Local History Project

Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs in conjunction with Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme

BY PRIMARY 6 AND PRIMARY 7 PUPILS ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, DERRYTRASNA Local History presented to the pupils

by Martelle McPartland and Anne McKavanagh

Index General introduction ..........................................................2 Introduction to the history of schools and churches ..........4 in the local area A brief history of St. Marys Church, Derrytrasna ..............6 A potted history of the ‘Old School’, Derrytrasna ............12

Section 1 Foreword by Martelle McPartland ....................................20 Foreword by Anne McKavanagh........................................22 ‘Derrytrasna Scholars’ by Alfie Tallon ..............................24 Patrick Austin - early headmaster by Kevin Austin..........30

Section 2 P6 Pupils work ..................................................................32

Section 3 P7 Pupils work ..................................................................46

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Introduction

A local book, ‘Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs’ was published in December 2022. This publication was funded by Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme, an initiative supported by the Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It was agreed that proceeds of the sale of the book will be used to support local charities and to encourage and promote local history and education.

To realise the objective of promoting local history and education, we decided to run a creative writing competition for P6 and P7 pupils in a number of local primary schools. Prize-money and certificates for the competition and treats for the those taking part were provided from proceeds from the sale of the ‘Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs’ book.

We would like to thank Mrs Una McAlinden and Mr Ivan Lavery for the warm welcome into St Mary’s Primary School, Derrytrasna. We appreciate their finding time within the busy school schedule to enable guest speakers from ‘Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs’ to visit and give a little talk about local history. The talks focused on the ‘Old School’ building, education in the past and St Mary’s Church, Derrytrasna.

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We would like to thank Martelle McPartland and Anne McKavanagh for delivering the local history lessons to the P6 and P7 classes.

They in turn, would like to express their appreciation of the wellmannered pupils who thoroughly engaged with the local history talk that was delivered. They are a credit to their teachers and to the school.

The children were given the option of entering a creative writing competition, and their entries are included in this booklet. We applaud the tremendous effort that the pupils put into their work, giving us a range of wonderful poems.

Norah McCorry (Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs) Paul Carville (Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs) David Weir (Education Officer, Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme)

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Introduction to the history of schools and churches in the local area In considering the history of schools and churches in the parish of Seagoe, the importance of Very Rev. Laughlin Laurence Morgan, P.P., VG., Seagoe Parish (1831 – 1878), cannot be overstated. During his tenure as parish priest, he oversaw the building of four churches and at least two schools in Seagoe. While parish priest, he also bought two small farms, one in Aghacommon and one in Derrytrasna, which he bequeathed to the parish on his death.

The following is an extract from the address of Most Reverend Dr Leahy (Bishop of Dromore) at the funeral of Rev Morgan in the ‘Weekly Examiner (Belfast)’, September 1878: ‘When he became parish priest of Seagoe, there was no church worthy of the name in it; there were some thatched cabins in it, where the adorable sacrifice of the Mass used to be offered. But at that time, Ireland was emerging from a persecution directed against our faith; a persecution that had compelled them to celebrate the most awful of all sacrifices – that sacrifice the same as that offered up on Calvary – compelled them to offer it up under the canopy of heaven, by the side of a rock, or in the midst of moss, and even those who assisted at it trembled lest the persecutor should break in upon them and haul them to prison, if not to death itself.

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Sketch of the Very Rev. Laughlin Laurence Morgan, P.P., V.G., Seagoe Parish (1831-1878).

At the time he became parish priest the country was emerging from that persecution; there was nothing exhibited but the mere essentials of religion, to show that the people were Catholics. Dr Morgan laboured until he erected four different churches in the parish. We are assembled in one of them, and any person, who has experience in knowing the difficulties, the heart burnings, the repulses met with in striving to get the means to build a church will not be surprised to hear that it has been stated, almost as a proverb, that “the building of one church is quite enough to kill the priest who undertakes it”. Dr Morgan did not fail to labour in that direction, for the “beauty of God’s house and the place where His glory dwelleth".'

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A brief history of St. Marys Church, Derrytrasna Extract from ‘Seagoe, A Parish History’

by Dr F. X. McCorry: ‘A new building on this site [at Derrytrasna] was almost ready for opening when it was destroyed by the storm on the "Night of the Big Wind" (January 6th, 1839). The next issue of the ‘Newry Examiner’ stated: “We regret to learn that the new Chapel of the Parish of Seagoe, which had been erected at great expense and with extreme exertion on the part of the Parish Priest, the Rev. Morgan, was levelled to the ground by the late fearful hurricane. It had just been roofed and would soon have been ready for consecration. This is a lamentable occurrence. The people of Seagoe were rejoicing in the hope of having a temple for the worship of the Most High, and just when it seemed secure to them they have lost the fruit of their long and pious labours. We are sure that the case will strongly excite the sympathies of the Christian public and that any appeal which may be made by the Rev. Mr. Morgan to repair the injury which has been done in this parish will meet with a ready and generous response.”

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“A ready and generous response” was indeed made to Dr. Morgan's appeal and the church was rebuilt during the years, 1839-41. The Most Rev. Dr. Blake, Bishop of Dromore, officiated at the dedication on July 25th. 1841, in the presence of a vast concourse of people from all parts of Ulster. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the celebrated Father Mathew, the "Apostle of Temperance", who gave Dr. Morgan a gift of 50 pounds towards the cost of the building.

Before and after the ceremony, Father Mathew administered the pledge to thousands of people, as recorded in a long report in the 'Newry Examiner' of July 28th, 1841: "The solemn consecration of this edifice was performed on Sunday last, by the Right Rev. Dr. Blake, Roman Catholic Bishop of Dromore, assisted by the Very Rev. Dr: McConville, V.G., Dromore; Very Rev. Dr: Murphy, PP., Warrenpoint; Rev. Mr. Morgan, the Pastor of the Parish; Rev. Mr. O'Loughlin; Rev. Daniel Sharkey, PP., Ballinahinch; Rev. Mr: O'Brien, Lurgan; Rev. John Doran, Loughbrickland; Rev. James O'Neill, Portadown; Rev. John McKenna, County Tyrone; Rev. Michael O'Brien, Armagh; Rev. T McKenna, Ardboe; Rev. P. Quinn, Kilmore; Rev. John Cunningham, Lurgan; Rev. Mr: O'Callaghan, Armagh.

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Taking into consideration the circumstances under which this edifice has been built, it does infinite credit to one of the most praiseworthy clergymen of the Diocese of Dromore, the Rev. Mr. Morgan. Our readers are already aware that in the storm which raged in January, `39, this edifice, which has then almost completed, was rendered one confused heap of ruins."

A major reconstruction scheme, costing 150,000 pounds, was completed in July, 1987…The ceremony of re-opening and rededication of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Derrytrasna, took place at 3.00 p.m. on Sunday 5th July 1987.’

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St. Mary’s Church, Derrytrasna.

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The Mass Rock Under the darkened moon they rose like silent apparitions wrapped in woven winding shawls stumbling barefoot over hidden trails thickets, trees, and bushes without torch or sound.

In a lonely field far from the searching eyes of the priest hunters they kneel before a massive rock clasping rosary beads of horn as arthritic knees feel the cold seep from the ground and murmured prayers of their outlawed faith echo silently across the bogs.

On the rocky altar, a book, wine, water, and bread are placed on a tablecloth of white.

The people wait in silence for the priest to begin mass from behind a makeshift curtain as its dangerous to see his face lest the hunters come calling and force them to reveal his identity.

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After, they scatter in different directions to avoid detection.

Before light they return to their Lough shore cabins and mothers finally release their hands from across their babies’ mouths.

And all are dreaming of a day when they’ll have a sheltered, safe, sacred space to pray.

Martelle McPartland

Mass in the mountains – a picture from Ireland’s penal days.

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A potted history of the ‘Old School’, Derrytrasna Extract from ‘Seagoe, A Parish History’

by Dr F. X. McCorry: ‘Even in penal days, Seagoe was one of the few parishes in Dromore Diocese to maintain a school within its borders, as reported by the Protestant Bishop in 1731. Later in the same century, as well as schools built by the local gentry, a number of Hedge Schools flourished…where children of the peasantry met “feloniously to learn”. In the report of the Commissioners appointed by the Government in 1824, the earliest and most comprehensive survey, shows that no less than twenty-four schools were then in existence in Seagoe. Six of these were Catholic schools, all in the Hedge School tradition, and the following information about them has been extracted from the Commissioners report:Ballynamoney: Pay School – a thatched house.

Knocknamuckley: Pay School – a thatched cabin.

Drumnagoon: Pay School – a thatched cabin.

Derryettagh (Derrytagh): Pay School – a wretched hovel.

Ballynary: Pay School – a hired cabin.

Derryveen: Pay School – a miserable cowshed.’

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An outside hedge school gathering.

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Extract from Jerome McAreavey, (Seanchas Dhroim Mor: Journal of the Dromore Historical Society, Volume 2, 1981): ‘The old public elementary school was built in Derrytrasna in 1844 and Fr Morgan applied to have the school connected with the National Board.

In making his application to have the Derrytrasna school connected with the National System, Fr Morgan wrote: “I have been, for the past ten years soliciting help for the Board of Education to erect schools throughout the district, and I must say, that in my opinion, every obstacle has been thrown in our way as yet. In other parts of the country houses have been erected and a salary granted to the teacher…all this has been denied us.”

The National Board Inspector, in making his report as to the suitability of the school for receiving aid, he pointed out that although the school was built on chapel grounds, a wall of separation was being built to indicate that the school was nondenominational.

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The Board’s superintendent recommended its connection on the following conditions: “First there is no National School within 3 miles. Second, Catholics and Protestants attend in nearly equal numbers. Third the house is new, and a national school is much wanted in the neighbourhood.”

Fortunately, the application was granted within days. The school was connected to the National System on 31 December 1844. It had taken Fr Morgan 3 years to get the school at Aughacommon connected to the National System.’

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Extract from the Northern Ireland Buildings Database (https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/services/buildings-database): ‘The building was extended in 1898, the fenestration on the front elevation suggesting that the upper floor was added at this time, and probably also the porch. The 1905 OS map shows that there was also a small central projection to the rear, which may also have been part of the 1898 remodelling. The other rear projections are much later, that to the east built sometime between 1953 and 1965, with the remaining additions to this side appearing between the latter year and 1983. Originally a wall separated the school from the grounds of the church, denoting the legal separation of National Schools from any religious body – even though (as in this case), local churches were frequently instrumental in establishing such institutions. The school closed upon the completion of the new St. Mary’s Primary School (by architects C.T. MacLynn & Son) to the east of the neighbouring church in 1969. The old building appears to have been used – in part at least – as a charity shop in more recent times, although this shop appears to have closed c.2011.

References – Primary sources 1 OS maps – 1858, 1905, 1953, 1965, 1983; 2 ‘Lurgan Times’ – 1 April 1968, p.10.’

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The ‘Old School’, Derrytrasna today.

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The Old School

By Anne McKavanagh The year 1898 Stands the finest school in Ireland Walls and Floors Sheeted with Norwegian wood The design of Fr. O’Hare and Fr McCartan The delight of Joseph Armstrong My Grandfather and Headmaster A school for children for day A school for adults at night A proud school Derrytrasna National School 7th March 1903 Grandfather sleeps He hears the cry of “Fire” Fire in the school On his bike he goes 7 miles for fire brigade Unable to get this service He returns alone Everything is lost The community rebuilds

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The summer of 1947 I stand in the playground I hear the girls’ voices The skipping rhyme All in together girls, It’s fine weather girls The chalk line Divide of the school yard Boys to the left, girls to the right All ends with a hand bell Start our day Girls to the upper storey Boys to the ground floor We form a circle to pray We sit at our long desks To learn, yes we did The method of rhyming We prayed, sang and learned to count No writing paper Reading books only in school No school dinners No milk breaks To keep us warm Families helped Turf kept the school fires burning The hand bell sounds School day is over

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Section 1 Foreword by Martelle McPartland It was a privilege to meet the primary six and seven classes of St. Mary’s Primary School, Derrytrasna, and their teacher, Mr Ivan Lavery.

We began by taking them on a cold icy day to the old Derrytrasna school and chapel, where Anne McKavanagh shared her memories of what school life was like during the Second World War. The pupils were also given some background information and history of the school including the night the school went on fire.

I gave a brief introduction about the chapel, its history, and Anne explained how the mass was said in Latin and the congregation were separated. The chapel was destroyed in what became known as the ‘Night of the Big Wind’, on 6th January 1839.

The children were fascinated by the old stories, and this was further enhanced over the next few weeks by books, photographs and artefacts from the old school and chapel.

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The pupils were encouraged to draft a poem and I guided them through this process by outlining the four stages involved in poetry construction. This was followed by PowerPoint presentations shown on the Whiteboard that demonstrated various poetic techniques and devices as I worked with the children to find their creative voices.

The children discovered that creating a poem is not easy. There were many rewrites that took place before the final poems were finished.

They all enjoyed the process and I hope that you enjoy their poems.

Martelle McPartland

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Foreword by Anne McKavanagh Having reached the age of 82, I had for a long time felt a desire to record some of the tales and old customs of the countryside that I love. These tales go back to my grandfather Joseph Armstrong and my mother who was born in 1899. I was therefore very pleased when Martelle, who is the tutor of the writing class I attend, asked me to speak to the school children about the ‘Old School’ and the 'Old School' and church.

At first, I was nervous and apprehensive. I had prepared some records assisted by my niece, Nuala. I need not have feared. I received a warm welcome from the Principal of St Marys, Mrs McAlinden and also the form teacher in primary 7, Mr Lavery.

Above all, I found a very eager set of young girls and boys, full of enthusiasm and very interested in my days at Derrytrasna Public Elementary School in the 1940s and my mother and grandfather’s role in the school as the first Headmaster in the early 1900s.

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Martelle had set the children the task of writing a poem about the church or 'Old School'. For three days, Nuala and I thoroughly enjoyed the company of these young people. They were very happy, courteous and well informed and it was obvious they all had great support from their teacher, parents and grandparents.

I know they will do well in their secondary education and will in the future be a great support to this community and our church.

Anne McKavanagh

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Derrytrasna Scholars Extract from ‘Fireside Gleanings’ by Alfie Tallon (1988): ‘A picture of the scholars who attended Derrytrasna National School [in 1912] a couple of years prior to the outbreak of World War One, has jogged the memories of some of their contemporaries. In those bygone days, the boys’ classroom was on the ground floor, and had a flagstone floor, which couldn’t have been comfortable for the barefooted boys. The girls’ classrooms were upstairs, and when the wee lassies got over-boisterous, a thump on the ceiling of the Master’s room below used to signal the end of his patience!

“The Master” was Joe Armstrong, whose daughter, Mrs McKavanagh, resides at Derrytagh South. “The Mistress” was Miss Carden, who hailed from Rathmines, Dublin. She took up the post when she was a teenager and stayed until she reached retirement age.

Joe McGeown of Muckery, who is included in the list of pupils, was a brother of Father Dan, and Pat, (one of the “Curly McGeowns”). He went to Canada and stayed there for about 11 years.

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Boy’s class at Derrytrasna National School, 1912.

Back Row (L to R): Master Armstrong, J. Brady, Joe McGeown, J.J. Donnelly, Dan McShane, Patrick Skelton, Charles McStravick, Hugh McAlinden.

Middle Row (L to R): Hugh McMahon, James Lennon, Dan McAlinden, Francis McConville, Vincent Armstrong, William Stevenson, James E. Scullion, Patrick McMahon, Arthur Austin, Miss Mackle.

Front Row (L to R): William McCaughley, Frank Armstrong, Matt McCaughley, John Blaney, Laurence Armstrong, John O’Hagan, John Conway, Joseph Scullion, Michael Hamill.

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John Joe Donnelly was a talented accordeonist, and led a group of musicians who played at dances and ceilidthe. Charlie McStravick was the flautist and Francey McConville was another accordeonist.

He was from the Rackey as well. Dan McShane died young. His father had a horse-drawn taxi service locally. Pat Skelton went into the turf business and hawked turf around Lurgan with a pony-drawn spring cart. Willie Stevenson of Derryloiste became an egg merchant and pioneered the business of collecting and packing eggs in bulk. James Eddie Scullion went to America, came home eventually, married a Lurgan lady and settled down locally. Arthur Austin went to Scotland, married and settled there.

Willie McCaughley is thought to have gone to the South of Ireland and joined the Irish Army. Matt McCaughley eventually acquired a motorised threshing outfit and took contracts. His brother, Andy, was a well know milkman around Lurgan and resided latterly at “Blighty”, Cornakinnegar. Mickey Hamill also came from the Rackey.

Mr Armstrong’s wife died young and his daughter, now Mrs McKavanagh, had to take over the running of the house. One older reader, (now a clergyman) remembers being sent, when a schoolboy, to the Master’s home regularly with messages to Miss Armstrong. The Master got him a female teacher’s bicycle to do the errands. Two of Mr Armstrong’s sons died young. Laurence at the age of 10 and Frank at the age of 22, both from appendicitis.

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Mrs Mackle is on the right of the 1912 picture. She came from the Portadown side of the Maghery and she married a Mr Lavery. His mother was McCorry.

Miss McDowell of Ardmore taught the infants class at “Trasna”, early this century. She married Johnny McAlinden, who had the factory at Aughacommon, and later pioneered the Lurgan Aghalee bus service. Miss Mackle taught first in the girls’ school, then in the boys. Another teacher was Miss Magee, later Mrs John Joe Murray.

Before her, there was a Miss Mulholland who stayed with the Byrne’s of Rackey, and later married John Byrne, who had lost his sight in an accident while employed at a Belfast bar – “a lemonade bottle exploded or something”. One ex-pupil remembers a tearful scene when Miss Mulholland left (she lost her job on marriage).

“Miss Carden kissed her on the cheek and all of us [the wee girls] cried”.

Another teacher, Miss Ward, was a gifted singer. Did she marry a Mr McGivern? Then there was a Miss Murray (a long time back). She was Willie Stevenson’s aunt. She is remembered because she used a tuning fork at music lessons. The only one to do so. She took ill and died.

May Murray, sister of John Joe Murray, also taught for a spell at “Trasna”.

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Joe Armstrong was Headmaster for 35 years and retired early, in about the mid-twenties, and died soon after. The bearded teacher in the 1905 group was a man called Moran who did substitute for a term. Johnny Mathers on the right of the picture was a monitor. He emigrated to America but returned with is wife later in his life to his native heath. His wife was a Miss McCann from Derryinver.

Sadly, the 1905 group and their contemporaries seem to have died out. If any are still around, I should very much like to hear from them.'

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Pupils at Derrytrasna National School, 1905.

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Patrick Austin One of the Early Headmasters Mr Patrick Austin was born in 1823. His wife was Catherine (née Napier) from Dromore, County Down. They were married in Dromore in 1857. Records show that Mr Austin taught in Dromore prior to 1857, presumably meeting his wife there prior to their marriage.

Mr Austin was principal in Derrytrasna school in December 1862, Catherine was assistant and work mistress.

Mr Austin, stood in ‘Poor Law Elections’ in 1894 against the sitting representative of the Moyntaghs, Christopher Stevenson. Votes recorded for the sitting member was 442, with Mr Austin receiving 332 votes.

Mr Austin died on 4th June 1898.

Information regarding Mr Patrick Austin (Headmaster) courtesy of Kevin Austin.

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Pupils from Derrytrasna National School, 1924.

Photograph courtesy of Kevin Austin.

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Section 2 Primary 6 work The old school is miserable.

Barely feel the warmth of the fire.

If you are late, you'd get caned.

The stingy pain on the hand.

Outside everyone is happy.

Girls skipping while boys play hanky ball.

They were so happy they couldn't realise they had no shoes.

But all the joy vanished when they heard the teacher call.

Back inside the dusty creaky floor.

You could nearly hear the chalk fall off the board.

You could taste the smoke go up your nose.

This was the Victorian school.

Adam Convie

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They sat at the front We sat at the back We all had some milk Then we all had a skip.

When we hear the clang of the bell We rush and rush Were ready to skip on the road.

It’s the morning We start all over We all got dressed Then headed off When it was snack we all headed out When we skip if we fell on the tarmac All we felt was the sting on our knees The end.

Erin Donnelly

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Primary 6 work Hanky Ball on the wall Teacher said there’s a ball over our wall!

That’s the end of Hanky ball Neeila Feighan

My hanky ball hit off the wall I hear the teacher call.

Mr Paul climbed off the wall with a bruise on his arm.

The teacher screamed, Mr Paul, don't go on that wall.

Brooke Kane

This place is a hell room.

Children chanting rituals.

Dark like a cave Hit by the cane! a world of pain.

It's miserable, terrible, horrible, terrifying.

Scary, horrifying and disgusting.

Aaron Keenan

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Unidentified man outside the 'Old School', Derrytrasna.

Photograph courtesy of Kevin Austin.

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Primary 6 work Orange flames rising into the noisy dark and cloudy sky.

I smell smoke and see ash falling.

I feel the flames scorching my face.

Butterflies in my stomach I wondered if it might spread.

Ronan Keenan

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Extract from ‘Irish News and Belfast Morning News’ (9th March 1903) ‘DESTRUCTION BY FIRE OF DERRYTRASNA SCHOOLS Alleged Serious Outrage Lurgan, Saturday During the early hours of this morning at Derrytrasna, near this town, the splendid national male and female schools, situated in that part of the parish called Seagoe, of which Rev. Edward McCartan is parish priest, were completely destroyed by fire. The first intimation of the fire having taken place occurred about one o’clock am, when the housekeeper in Derrytrasna parochial house, where Father McCartan usually resides, was awakened from sleep by the noise of falling slates. On looking out her bedroom window, which is about thirty yards from the schools, she saw the upper portion, consisting of the female school, was all ablaze, the underneath part comprising the the male school being quite dark, and as yet apparently unaffected by the fire. The housekeeper immediately aroused some neighbours, who proceeded to do what they could to save the building, but the fire by this time taken such complete hold of the female school and the ceiling of the boys’ school underneath that their efforts were powerless.

Father McCartan, to whom information of the disaster had been conveyed, arrived from Derrymacash Parochial House, where he had been staying for the night, but by the time he reached the scene of the conflagration the fine two-storied building was a mass of fire.

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Nothing could be done to save the schools, and what had but the evening before been a spacious building containing two commodious and well-equiped schools – unequalled in such respects perhaps in Ulster – soon became a mass of ruins with not even a vestige of the windows, flooring, doors, or school furniture it had previoulsly contained.

That the burning was other than accidental there is unfortunately but too much evidence. The police, under Acting Sergeant Hughes, from Derryadd, two miles distant, were early on the scene, and as a result of their investigations, one large bottle, still containing about a half a pint of paraffin oil was discovered in a field within a few feet of the school, where it had evidently been thrown by those setting fire to the schools. Besides this, traces of a quantity of oil being thrown on the steps leading to the female school were found close to the door, as if it had fallen from the door upon which it had been poured in order to create the fire, when the matches, several of which were found on the doorstep, were lighted, and applied to the saturated wood. There was also indications of persons having got into the school yard by climbing over the gate leading into it, which was locked.

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About noon today, Mr Mahony, D.I. attended at Derrytrasna, and prosecuted strict inquires concerning the fire, with the result, it is quite clear, the fire could not have had its origin inside the building.

The Lylo portion of the parish has of late been the scene of drumming and pistol shooting and effigy burning of the part of numbers of Orangemen, Father McCartan coming in first for their special attention. Lylo schools and the church were probably saved from attack by the presence of a body of police from Portadown.’

Note: Around this time, a member of the Catholic community brought a case against a man in Lylo who had blocked a pathway around his land which had previously used by people to attend the Catholic chapel at Lylo. The man disputed that this path was a right of way. This soon turned into a party-political dispute.

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Extract from the ‘Portadown News’ (14th March 1903): ‘DERRYTRASNA R.C. NATIONAL SCHOOL BURNT DOWN PROTESTANT SYMPATHY On Wednesday evening a meeting was held at Ardmore under the auspices of the Church of Ireland, for the purpose of expressing sympathy with the Rev. E. McCartan. P.P. and the members of his Church on the serious loss they have sustained by the destruction of the commodious National Schools at Derrytrasna, occasioned by an outbreak of fire on the night of Friday 6th...

The Rev. E. Burns, B.A., rector of Ardmore occupied the chair, and in opening the proceedings said although the schools which had been destroyed belonged to another religious denomination, it was a matter which concerned all directly or indirectly. As neighbours, they felt sympathy for those who had suffered loss, as Protestants, it was due to themselves to refute the aspersions which had been cast on their character, and as ratepayers they were anxious to protect their own interests…It would be a great injustice to the Protestant ratepayers generally, and especially to those of the Church of Ireland, as the latter were the most numerous in this district, if they had to pay for the destruction of property of another religious body…

The following resolution was passed: That we, the rector, members of the select vestry, and parishioners of the parish of the Montiaghs, assembled in public meeting at Ardmore, take this earliest opportunity of sympathising with and 40

The Ven. Archdeacon Ed MacCartan, P.P., Seagoe Parish (1889-1920).

tendering to Rev Edward McCartan, P.P. his teachers and parishioners, our deep regret at the loss they have suffered by the demolition by fire of the Derrytrasna National Schools. While deploring this regrettable calamity, at the same time we disclaim any knowledge of our connection with the matter, and we most strongly repudiate any insinuation that the destruction was caused by any person or persons belonging to our church. Furthermore, we desire to express our admiration of the very cordial relations that have hitherto existed between our Roman Catholic brethren and ourselves, and we trust that the intensity of those good feelings shall not be lessened by the occurrence of this untoward incident.’

Mr William Hamill (Bellville Presbyterian) accepted the above resolution on behalf of that congregation. A similar meeting was held in the Mission Hall Esky where a similar resolution was passed. Mr Ben Allen on behalf of the Methodist body fully endorsed the sentiments expressed.

The Rev E. McCartan subsequently lodged a claim under the malicious injuries act for compensation regarding the loss of the schoolhouse. His claim was dismissed (with costs). The judge ruled that there was a possibility that the fire could have been accidental.

Fr McCartan later lodged an appeal against the ruling but then withdrew it.

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Primary 6 work I walked into the cold dusty room saw the chalk dust on the dirty board felt the damp from the cracked roof.

The fire spat out ashes and flames I could almost taste the smoke and feel the warmth of the rising fire.

The teacher came in and said to start our tables we started chanting everyone repeating the word Like an old ritual and rhyme.

Alexandra Kelly

Intimidating teacher smoky smell from fire I need to think before I lift the quill and ink.

Lashes from the cane squealing from pain.

Peadar Loughran

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I can see this school is old.

I can feel the mould on damp walls.

The children are bold.

And I am cold.

They had to make a ball.

It was very light.

And when they play with it, they fight.

Shay Murphy School Dusty and Old Creepy shadows around me No heat just cold The screech of the chalkboard The woosh of the cane Soggy sandwiches and cold tea Running home through the field Glad to be finished for the day.

Fionn McGinty The old church in Derrytrasna was rumbling and crumbling.

I can taste dust from dirty walls.

Butterflies in my stomach, people praying and purring the Priest speaking the taste of the bread Joel Mincher 43

Primary 6 work No water in our school pump only water from a well.

Bring a piece of bread, jam or cheese a boiled egg was a treat no buns, sweets, or grapes.

Jace Scullion

As soon as the boisterous bell rings the girls start to sing.

Skipping, singing, rounders.

In winter we get foundered.

The energetic boys on the other side of the wall.

The screams, the shouts, the cries of joy.

Oh! They must be playing a game of hanky ball!

Girls on the left and boys on the right.

Keep it that way so they don’t fight.

Erin Toal

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Girls Class, Derrytrasna National School, 1950s.

Photograph courtesy of Kevin Austin

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Section 3 Primary 7 work

Boy’s classes, Derrytrasna National School, 1940s/1950s.

Photographs courtesy of Allison Austin-Murphy.

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The school is empty I hear nothing the classroom is still I get a chill Then the bells ring and I hear a ding.

Then the children came in One boy was being bad and it made me sad So, I hit him with a cane and I gave him the blame.

Then I awoke from my bed shook my head it was all just a dream.

Unidentified child picture outside St. Marys Church, Derrytrasna.

Photograph courtesy of Kevin Austin.

James Armstrong

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Primary 7 work The Old School The Old School was built in 1898.

You were hit if you were late It frightened you into being on time.

No uniform was worn No heating to keep you warm You could feel the breeze Making its way down the back of your neck Causing your body to shake.

Meabh Collins

In the old school A white line split The playground in two.

Excited to play Gaelic against local schools the hanky ball they kicked taking a victory home.

Caoimhe Blake

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Walking to school in dirty feet.

If you were late, you got beat on your hand with a long, wooden cane everyone watching in utter fear.

Walking up the Trasna road collecting sticks and turf for the fire so, you wouldn’t be freezing cold.

Playing and skipping.

The girls upstairs boys downstairs.

There was, a warm, open fire.

Where the stern teacher stood warming his hands till his heart's desire.

Freya Cosgrove

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Primary 7 work The cold wind blew, a cry howled out, people were cheering.

The ribbon was cut, seeing the new chapel door, Stepping on the tiled floor, There I was, watching.

Cadain Fox

The school is cold, damp, and dark.

No sound, quiet as a mouse spiders, mice, and ghosts of past children dusty walls along the hallway.

Soft shadows chasing me. eerie breathing on my back screams of the ghosts in the shadows I’m panicking as I’m walking.

Broken pieces of chalk footsteps on the creaky floor strange figures looking through the door so scared I don't dare talk.

Aodhan Gallagher 50

Damp wood burning in the old fire.

I feel the stuffy air all around the school Screams of pain when the cane strikes my hand.

When I go upstairs I feel the ghosts of children chasing me across creaking floors Aaron Greene

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Primary 7 work As I walk into the dark dusty hall Up the unstable dusty stairs Into my small, small classroom opened the tall wooden door. and entered.

My friends were gathered around the fire to warm up.

I threw my large bit of turf in and the smoke got higher and higher.

When we heard loud footsteps we all rushed to our seats. the door creaked open wider and wider there was the master, he paused and then wrote the date on the dusty chalkboard.

Leah Hamilton

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Girls class, Derrytrasna National School, 1930s.

Photograph courtesy of Eleanor Madden.

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Primary 7 work The old school had two storeys upstairs for the girls downstairs for the boys.

The stairs were outside Inside, there was no central heating.

The boys brought in sticks and turf to light the fire.

No school dinners they had to bring in lunch.

No cleaners to sweep the dirty floor the dust was stuffy, and you could hardly breath.

When I walked inside the school I felt like I wasn’t alone the floorboards were creaking the fat rats were squeaking and I just want to go home.

Harry McAlinden

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When I came out to play across the wall I seen a hanky ball go Over the wall I heard the master call at a boy he brought Him to the dusty classroom he got the cane it must be lame I went to see the boy I gave him a toy to enjoy I was mad at the Boy beside him I could taste the dust of the wall and a boy Kicked a hanky ball into the hall Rosa McAllister

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Primary 7 work In the small village of Derrytrasna there is a chapel and in the chapel lived a bell.

It was rung by a man named Tom who lived at the back of the chapel it rang to signal mass was starting.

The bell was rung for eight o clock mass.

The bell rang for eleven o'clock mass.

People knew it was time to leave the comfort of their homes, They got on their rusty bikes And cycled to the ancient chapel.

You could feel your ears ringing the bells kept on singing.

Swaying from side to side like trees in a strong wind.

The bell was heard from two miles away.

The chapel was filled with the pleasant scent of wax from the candles.

When the loud bell stopped the priest walked up to the marble altar.

He only wore black, he only spoke in Latin.

People would be bustling in from all directions. most were barefoot. all you could hear was the stomps on the hard wooden floor.

Everyone was seated, mass had begun.

Oliver McCrory 56

Interior photograph of St. John the Evangelist Church, Lylo, showing the males and females separated from each other.

Photograph taken from ‘Seagoe Offertory Campaign’, 1965.

Interior photograph of St Mary’s Church, Derrytrasna.

Photograph courtesy of Kevin Austin.

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Primary 7 work The old dark school Feeling my hand shaking.

No reading books.

Gas lamps.

Fires were lit.

Flames would spit.

Bell ringing it would not stop dinging.

My head was singing.

My head was ringing.

Ink would spill on my hand it would look very bad.

I would be mad.

And scared of getting hit.

Hollie McDonald

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The hanky ball I love the hanky ball I made it from grass and a hanky I kick it, but it doesn't bounce.

I still kick it because I love the hanky ball Kieran Nelson

Note: Apparently it was quite common in the early 1900s for the children in the area to make a football using their hankie which they filled with grass, as footballs were too expensive. Seemingly people from Aghagallon referred to Derrytrasna footballers as ‘Hankie Ball Men’.

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Aerial view of St. Mary’s Church, the ‘Old School’ and the current St. Mary’s Primary School, Derrytrasna.

Photograph courtesy of Kevin Austin.

The 'Old School', Derrytrasna and St. Mary's Church.

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Thanks to National Lottery players