Past pupils of St George’s School in Tubbercurry, County Sligo are invited to a Thanksgiving Service in St George’s Parish Church on Sunday, 3 November 2002 at 3.30pm to give thanks for the 150 years of the school following its closure earlier this year.

The school has a remarkable record of achievement in community service and Christian mission including the funding last year of six goats and three hives of honeybees for Africa.

Revd Doris Clements, a non stipendiary minister and Principal of the school for the past 25 years, said today: “ We are hoping to welcome many past pupils to this Thanksgiving Service. They did so much to make St George’s School a centre of excellence and practical Christian service not only in the local community but also overseas with their support for Bothar and other agencies.”

St George’s School won many awards at local, County and National levels including the Sligo County Council Chairman’s Schools Award for community achievement and involvement.

“It is sad that the school has been closed as it had so much to offer to the parish and community but low enrolment figures left no choice but closure”, said Doris Clements. “A few years ago extensive renovations were carried out and the building will now serve as a very useful Parish hall.”

The Revd Fred Gillmor will conduct the Thanksgiving Service and the special preacher will be the Patron of the school the Rt Revd Richard Henderson, Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry. The choir and organist of Seapatrick Parish Church, Banbridge, who formed a link with the school several years ago, will provide the music.