Rich fifty year history of renowned North Longford secondary school chronicled

To mark the 50th anniversary of Moyne CS, a book has been produced which celebrates the rich history of the North Longford school.

Over 140 pages in length and lavishly illustrated, the book will no doubt be a staple in many households of students of Moyne CS, both past and present.

In his piece in the book, school principal Des Cullen writes that, “schools are not just bricks and mortar, they are the people who have inhabited these walls over the decades.”

The piece headlined by Mr Cullen is entitled ‘Who built that there?’. The headline is a reference to “the number of times I have been asked that question,” according to Mr Cullen.

“Department inspectors, visiting college lecturers, business suppliers, parents and general visitors are always amazed how such a large school serving such a rural area was built in such a quiet peaceful setting,” his piece stated.

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The book celebrates all aspects of school life in Moyne CS, from academic to sporting to all points in between.

There are pieces in the book from former teachers and students.

People who played an influential role in the foundation of the school are remembered, including the late Fr. Phil McGee, who was the first principal of the school.

The decision to build Moyne CS came about partly due to a demand for increased post primary education in that era.

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The school was officially opened on May 10 1976 by Patrick Cooney TD. In May 1980, a coat of arms was launched by John Wilson TD.

Fr. Francis Gray writes a piece called ‘Moyne Community School Origins.’

In October 1970, the Department of Education published a document on community schools. Its aim was to provide free comprehensive post-primary education for all children.

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In September 1973, Moyne Community School became a reality, with the late Fr. Phil McGee was appointed as the first principal.

The new school was not ready and the old school buildings in Moyne and Ballinamuck continued to be used until September 1974.

On Monday September 9th 1974, ‘eight school buses slowly made their way up the new tarmacadam driveway to the most modern of educational establishments, situated on a bleak hillside in the townland of Firmullagh’ Fr. Gray writes.

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‘It was the beginning of a new era in second level education for students from North Longford, South Leitrim, West Cavan and further afield’ his piece continued.

Fr. McGee died suddenly on January 27th 1975. 

The photos in the book cover a wide range of activities and people throughout the school’s history.

Sport is a huge part of school life in Moyne. The many sporting successes enjoyed by Moyne CS over the years are documented in the book.

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These have included All-Ireland titles in both boys and girls football and also in basketball.

A number of the sports stars who emerged from Moyne CS wrote articles for the book. These include Michelle Farrell, Raymond Galligan, Sean Prunty and Sharon Treacy.

The book is a fascinating and well produced chronicle of the huge success story that is Moyne CS.

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