Window display evokes a century of memories

MILESTONE St Joseph's Secondary School, Castlebar celebrates its centenary this year.

A window display currently on show at Castle Bookshop in Castlebar is regaling passersby with memories of a century of education at St Joseph’s Secondary School in the town.
The school is celebrating 100 years and has planned a number of activities over the weekend of October 27/28 to commemorate the milestone in the centre of education.
And, as the countdown continues to the weekend, a window display at Castle Bookshop contains items of interest from across the school’s history.
Aoife Lally, a past pupil of the school and now a teacher at St Joseph’s, created the display with memorabilia from St Joseph’s showcasing a timeline of events, developments and improvements in the holistic education of the students through the years.
The display is divided into three sections all of which have huge significance for the school: Science – laboratory equipment and experiments; Literature – books and notes from students; Religion – box of incence, relics and Mass ornaments.
Central to the display is the old school uniform, which showcased the identity of St Joseph’s and highlights how the students were recognized in the town.
Old suitcases remind people that St Joseph’s was a boarding school up until 1974 attracting students from all over Connacht.
The school crest marks the school’s history and proud association with the Sisters of Mercy who opened St Joseph’s in 1918.
There is an interview with Bernadette Keaveney, a former student and teacher who gives a glimpse into how the school operated in the 1960s and changes that have occurred since then.
A selection of photographs and school yearbooks mark the transition of St Joseph’s from its foundation to the modern day.
Finally the window showcases the work of Sally Rooney, a former student and successful published author who is a major source of pride to the school and an excellent example of the rewards for dedication and self-belief.
If you get a chance the window is well worth a look for pupils and teachers, both past and present. The window display will be on show from until Saturday, September 29.
Tickets for the Gala Dinner on Sunday, October 28 to mark the centenary are on sale in Castle Bookshop and are also available from the school.