CROSS-COMMUNITY aspects are an important dimension of the “uniquely inclusive” Newry High School, whose original Protestant/unionist image has been transformed into the situation where Catholics make up about 40 per cent of the present students.

The principal, Mr Ronnie McVeigh from Kilkeel stated: “There is an increasing number of parents, who would like their children to be educated in an integrated environment, maintaining a positive Christian ethos. The school has delivered the relevant curriculum to boys and girls of 11 to 18 years from different backgrounds, and the complete spectrum of academic ability.”

An example of the cross-community ethos came when the Princess Diana Memorial Award was presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown to Seta Scott and Gemma Murphy, who had “made a real difference to their community and school.” Gemma is the daughter of Newry jeweller, Jack Murphy, former President of Newry Chamber of Trade.

Meanwhile, another pupil, Aimee McCague, is in the Bosco Drama Group’s production of `Jesus Christ Superstar`, competing at the International Festival of Light Opera at Waterford. Her mother, Gladys McCague and grandfather Wesley Livingstone, were principals in Newry Musical and Orchestral Society shows, which twice won the top award at the International Festival.

Aimee also sung along with Tom O Dubhain from Rostrevor at Landsdowne Road, prior to the Triple Crown game against Scotland. That ecumenical event also involved the Altnaveigh Pipe Band, containing past pupils of Newry High School, and the Thomas Davis Pipe Band, including Abbey `old boys.`

Incidentally, many students at the Belfast Road school, who graduated from universities recently, were educated at Catholic primary schools in the Newry region. For example, Joanne McKeown from Killeavy Road in Newry, who received a BA in Education, had attended St Joseph’s primary school; Farrah Shields of Drumalane Park, awarded a B.Sc (Hons), was at St Clare’s PS, as was Coleen Quinn from Shandon Villas, who also received a B.Sc, (Hons), while Jennifer McDonald from Rostrevor, a pupil at Kilbroney PS, obtained a B Sc degree.

Moya Sands from Rostrevor, who attended Killowen PS, got a BA (Hons); and Catherine Hollywood, also from Rostrevor, who studied at St Marks’s in Warrenpoint, before moving to Newry High, was awarded a B.Ed. degree. Joanne Burke from the Commons, who went to Ballyholland PS, St Mark’s High School and Newry High School, received a B.Sc. (Hons).

Joanne Murdock of Damolly Road, a past pupil at Windsor Hill PS, got a B.Ed. (Hons); Joanne Young of Carnbane Gardens, who attended the same school, received a BA (Hons) in languages; Selena Moffett of Ringbane Road, educated at Shinn PS, got a first class honours degree in Biological Science; Caroline Brown from the Rathfriland Road, past pupil at Mullaghglass PS received a B.Mus. (Hons) degree; Sarah Longbridge from Church Road, Newry, who also attended Mullaghglass PS, graduated with a MVB degree in Veterinary Medicine from UCD. Four other graduates came from the Banbridge area.

Stressing that “in academic achievement, the school fosters excellence,” the principal of Newry High School reported that, in 2004, 67.2 per cent subject entries at A level were achieved with grades A to C, and virtually all Year 14 leavers were able to access further or higher education of their choosing. Several students gained Grade A in all their subjects. And at GCE level, 53 per cent of subject entries were achieved with grades A* to C, with one boy gaining seven A* and three A grades.

Politics and the media are well-represented among Newry High’s past pupils. For example, Assemblyman and former chairman of Newry and Mourne district council, Danny Kennedy, chairman of the Education Committee at Stormont, was a student, as was his brother Billy, author and deputy editor of the Belfast Newsletter; also David Trimble’s wife, formerly Daphne Orr from Warrenpoint.

Lord Eddie Haughey’s wife, Mary, was Head Girl. Alf McCreary from Bessbrook is journalist with the Belfast Telegraph; Stephen Philpott (BBC); Geoff Martin, also from the ‘Brook, was head of the E C Office in Belfast, while Press photographer Johnney Priestly, editor Hal O’Brien; author and historian Eddie McKee, along with the late Billy Locke, editor of the Newry Telegraph, were also `old boys.`

Incidentally, our family has had a close affinity with past pupils of Newry Grammar/High School. All six of us were brought into this world by Nurse Graham, a midwife who also lived in Mary Street. Her nephew, Graham Clark, was a noted hockey player with school and Ulster sides.

Moving to O’Neill Avenue, our next-door neighbour was the late Mrs Elizabeth McElroy, who officially opened the Gateway Club, along with International goalkeeper Pat Jennings. Her daughter, Sylvia, also involved with Gateway, has retired as a Sister at Daisyhill Hospital, while her brother Ian, a customs clerk and soccer player died prematurely, as did their sister, Ena, married to Newry publican Sam Nummy.

One well-known past pupil was Mrs Hylda O’Neill from Forkhill, who had been involved with Newry Agricultural Shows for many years, and was a member of the school’s management committee. She had attended Newry Intermediate School, - as it was known, - from its preparatory department right through to Senior Certificate level.

Hylda recalled the principal, John Clarke, commenting: `There is a tribe in India called the Untouchables, but I’ve got a tribe here who are the unteachables.` It was “a good school, with excellent results in all departments. Many pupils of that era became well-known in Northern Ireland and abroad."

“Harry Morrow was president of the British Dental Association, and later a prominent cattle-breeder. His sister, Mrs Joy McCall was well-known in drama circles. George Blair, known as Albert, played a leading role in the School of Dentistry; Marshall King was a scientist, concerned with splitting the atom; Jim Lockhart was principal of an agricultural college in England, whose pupils included Mark Phillips, later husband of Princess Anne. Jim’s brother, Noel was chief representative for Shell/BP in Australia while members of the Whitten bakery family, and Rowlands in the car trade, were also pupils.

“There was lots of success in sports, where I played hockey and tennis for the school. A number of students represented Ulster and Ireland in hockey. Stanley Thompson was an excellent goalkeeper, who was killed in the RAF during the war; Harold Downey and Ervin Morrow also excelled, while Cis Torrens, ( nee Rowland) played in goals for Ulster and Ireland.”

“An Old Students Association provided many enjoyable dinner dances and functions. Founder members included Sammy Jones, later a teacher in Portadown, Gordon Bell, who became a solicitor in Rathfriland; Alex Lyons, a director of the family firm; Daphne Baird (nee Williams) and Joy McCall from Warrenpoint. They were happy times, - the school was the focal-point for education and sport.”

Jim Lockhart recalled: “The Inter was a happy place, where the pupils got on well together. The school was highly regarded locally. Several new classrooms were built, - Robert Fullerton and his son could lay 700 bricks per day.

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