St. Mary's PS Newtownbutler dig up time capsule from 1996

In 1996, pupils selected some items and stories to represent life in school at the time.

The capsule had originally been buried by the then principal Mr. Tommy Gunn, and caretaker Mr. Philip McDermott.

No-one could have predicted that when the capsule was due to be dug up, schools across the world would be closed and children would be learning remotely.

The current pupils and staff arranged that it would be unearthed and the contents revealed this month.

Staff who were employed in the school at the time were invited back, including Mr. Gunn, Mr. McDermott, Mrs. Fitzpatrick (vice principal), Mrs. McManus and Mrs. Maguire.

Tom Gunn, former principal reading some of the contents with Paula Kelly, principal of St.Mary's Primary School, Newtownbutler.

Enthralled

A spokesperson for the school said: “It was quite nostalgic that the current P7 class were the last class which Mrs. Maguire had taught in P1 before her retirement in June 2016. Father King, who has remained as Chair of the Governors since that time also attended the event.”

The children were enthralled as the current building supervisor Mr. Stephen Maguire turned the earth to uncover the time capsule amid gasps of excitement. Mr. Gunn opened it to reveal a variety of items, including a milk carton, a parish draw ticket, crisp and biscuit wrappers and some writing by the pupils of 1996. Adults and children alike were captivated as the current principal Mrs. Paula Kelly read a piece written by Mrs. Patricia Maguire (née Conlon), who’s daughter Lily is currently in P7.

The pupils are now preparing artefacts and pieces of work to be placed in a new time capsule to be buried alongside the original one.

“We all hope that in 25 years time, the school population will be able to enjoy the excitement of gaining a window into life at St. Mary’s over the years,” the school spokesperson said.