I JOINED Cuilmore National School in 1966- my primary education prior to that having been received at Carrowholly. It didn't take long to fit into school life at Cuilmore, twenty years later and living in Manchester, I still reminisce at my happy days there. Mrs. Coughlan (R.I.P.) and Mrs. Kelly were the respective teachers at that time.
As I started in fourth class, Mrs. Coughlan was my teacher. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience to pass on to us. She certainly gave' me an excellent basic education. It was she who taught me my first crochet and Aran stitches. Mrs. Kelly gave me my basic knowledge of sewing. Cuilmore, I believe is now a modem school with central heating -a far cry from the days of the turf fire which had to be ignited prior to the commencement of classes.
Religion played a very important part in school life. Fr. McEllin visited the school regularly and frequently asked what the theme of the previous Sunday's Gospel was. The most important event in the school year was the catechism exam, all other subjects were cancelled until after the 'big day'. I can only presume that all this religious input was to help us keep on the straight and narrow when we got into the big wide world.
There were some school rules if broken warranted severe punishment. One that springs to mind was the prohibition of pupils climbing over the perimeter fence. One pupil who was an expert at scaling the wall was Eamon Durkin. Eamon was always in a better financial position than his fellow pupils, and on one occasion the temptation of watching Divneys travelling shop pass proved too great, he decided it was a risk worth taking, and within minutes had reached the van. On his return, with his purchase of various sweets, he was met by Mrs. Coughlan -a fellow pupil had informed on him. He received his punishment graciously and proceeded to divide his purchase on us. Eamon not being one to bear a grudge even included the informer in his distribution.
A lovely tradition Mrs. Coughlan allowed was the twice yearly morning off to attend the "Stations". These mornings were the higWight of my school year. For many of us it wasn't entirely the religious aspect that encouraged us to attend. It is only in recent years I realise how difficult it must have been for the host having so many children descend on her, of course we were ne in a hurry returning to school.
My fondest memories of school life in Cuilmore was the "day trip" to Dublin. For w prior to the appoimed day I was busy saving ,om pennies" to ensure I had adequate finances. The night prior to the trip, I hardly slept, and there was no question of my sleeping in and missing Mike Chambers (R.I.P.) mini bus which transported us to the Station. Of all the trips I ever made I can honestly say this was the most enjoy able.
My days at Cuilmore School were very happy and fulfilling -this was due to a mixture of good teaching, friendly atmosphere and of course childhood innocence.
Well, all things must come to an end, each of us have gone our own respective ways. Cuilmore school has stood the test of time, defied amalgamation, and long may it prosper.