Major developments took place in the 1860�s, with the acquisition of adjacent property, the construction of new buildings to serve as schools or social training of poor children. A local newspaper report stated: �Visit the imposing buildings and surrounds, and contrast it with what it was. One feels that a great work has been accomplished, not only in Newry but all over Ireland, since the foundation of St Clare�s in our midst.�

In 1894, a two-story building was erected, the ground-floor intended for boys in what was known as the Infants School, where they would be prepared for First Communion and Confirmation. Initially they moved to the Abbey primary school at nine, and later at seven years of age. One of those teachers, Sister Monica, was honoured by Newry and Mourne district council, ten years ago.

Co-founder of the Past Pupils Union, along with Rose Russell, Rhoda Neary and Mary Marron, and first president. `Miss Ethel` Fitzpatrick was born and reared about 100 yards from St Clare�s and the Sacred Heart schools, being a pupil at both, returning to teach at the primary school for the rest of her working life.

Deeply involved in the local cultural scene, the vivacious raconteur has been chairman of Newry Musical Feis and also of Newry and Mourne Arts Committee, sparkling in comedy roles with Newry Musical and Orchestral Society, actress with the Abbey Players, starred in various pantomimes, and produced prize-winning shows in Newry Top Talent contests.

Among her prot�g�es have been the late Sean Hollywood and famous actor, Gerard Murphy. When she phoned to congratulate him on a B.B.C. drama, Gerard responded: �If it hadn�t been for you, I wouldn�t be doing this.� And the versatile teacher had the unique experience of being serenaded by Secretary of State, Tom King, at a Stormont reception.

Turning down an offer to present educational programmes on U.S. television, Miss Ethel explained: �I have lost out on absolutely nothing by spending my whole life in Newry. There is more going on here than many imagine.�

With fond memories of school days, she referred to the great interest which the nuns had shown in the arts, how she had learned verse-speaking at the primary school, where pupils were entered for the local feis, which gave them confidence and experience. She also �learned a lot� from music teacher and cathedral organist, Mons. Josef Delafaille.

When Miss Ethel joined the staff of the primary school, the pupils would invariably collect the prestigious prize for verse-speaking at the annual Newry Feis. She also taught speech and drama, part-time, at the Sacred Heart secondary school.

Another past pupil involved in the arts was Kathleen Bell, sister of former Lord Justice Turlough O�Donnell and journalist Donal O�Donnell. She recalled the early days, when the secondary school consisted of �one long corridor, with five or six class-rooms.� Later she joined the Abbey Players, along with her future husband, John Bell, Jimmy Canavan and John McEvoy, later chairman of Newry and Mourne district council.

At the Sacred Heart school, Mrs Bell produced her first show, `The Gondoliers,` in 1964. The cast included Pat and Siobhan Brown, Eithne Keenan, Nuala Fitzsimons, Siubhan Bell, Geraldine Kelly, Nuala Brennan. Teresa O�Hare, Emer Kelly, Sheelagh Duffy, Marie Sutherland and Nicola Mone. And in her last show, `the Student Prince� in 1988, Susan Lynch was in the cast. She also broadcast on B.B.C�s Children�s Hour and `Saturday Night Theatre`.

Also, Kathleen Bell had been producing operettas at St Colman�s College, in association with Fr Francis Boyle. She had great praise for Mary Glaze, who had been in charge of costumes at both schools, and a fine choreographer, especially for Greek dancing, Sacred Heart students winning top awards in London.

Head of Music at the Sacred Heart school is Dr Damian Frame, whose sister Sinead occupies a similar position at St Colman�s College. Shows are produced bi-annually, while the school also possesses junior and senior orchestras and choirs. In charge of drama is Brenda Rankin, with the school producing its own plays.

Meanwhile, the Sacred Heart is the only school in the southern region where Italian is taught, the person in charge being Mrs Marie McShane, nee Farry, who is also Head of the Irish department. Librarian is Mrs Teresa Fleming, a past pupil, who returned to her Alma Mater after graduating from Queen�s, and has been on the staff since 1985.

Speaking at the annual prize-giving, the principal, Sister Julie McGoldrick stated: �The government seems to have an endless list of initiatives, which they consider essential for teachers and schools. At the same time, they expect us to carry out our fundamental role, to educate in the broadest sense the young people in our care.

�We should not lose sight of what is important. It is not about structures or particular models. It is about young people being given every opportunity to reach their full potential.�

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