St. Brigid's PS Carnhill celebrates 50th anniversary: When Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid ‘married his sister’

Without question one of the biggest 'stars' to emerge from the hallowed halls of St Brigid's is Johnny McDaid. A multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer - Johnny originally found fame with the band Snow Patrol but then spread that talent far and wide by writing songs for - and working with - such acclaimed artists as Ed Sheeran, Pink and Robbie Williams.

He has done a wee video for the ‘night’ and has mentioned his memories.

Speaking this week his mum, Pauline said her son had many great memories of his time at primary school. From trips to France and Cruit Island to playing the recorder in the Derry Feis.

Pauline recalled: "One of the highlights certainly was when the Pushkin Prize was introduced when John was in P7. It was cross community and cross border and the children had to write seven pieces.

“The judges were, Martin Waddell, Seamus Heaney, and Roald Dahl. John was the first winner with Roald Dahl saying at the age of 11 he could be a professional writer. So, St. Brigid’s were the 1st winners. Seamus Heaney was a patron of the trust and when he died, the Duchess of Abercorn who was its founder, appointed John to take his place. It is something we are very proud of."

According to Pauline the seeds of John’s love of the stage were planted by the school' first principal, Neil McMahon who nurtured art, music, drama and dance at St Brigid’s.

She laughed at the memory of while John loved being the principal boy, the downside was having to ‘marry’ his sister Aine in Rumpelstilskin.

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"We have such great memories of those days. We enjoyed it all so, so much."

Despite his busy life and the demands of a high-flying career Johnny is still a Derry man at heart and likes to keep an eye on things happening here. One of the ways he keeps in touch is that he is now a patron of the Millennium forum.

And mum Pauline has no doubt about where the foundations for her son's career were formed: "Thanks to St Brigid's and its fantastic staff, John and two of his sisters, Aine and Síle had a great educational and creative start in life.”