A BOOK documenting the history of education in a small Co Down townland over the past 100 years was launched yesterday.
'A Short History of Education in Teconnaught' looks at the development of schools in the country parish including stories and photographs of former pupils and staff.
The book was launched at Holy Family PS in Teconnaught to coincide with the school's 50th anniversary and the opening of a new hall.
Among the guests was Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, Noel Treanor, who officially opened the hall as well as former principal Denis Cahill, who wrote the book to celebrate the achievements of the school that opened in January 1966.
Mr Cahill, whose family have close connections with education in Teconnaught over many decades, said the book was also a trip down memory lane for education in the area dating back to the 'hedge schools' in the 17th century.
He said the publication set out to examine the changes that later paved the way for the creation of national schools in the area as well as the development of education with the Education Act of 1923.
"There was Annacloy National School and Rann National School, which were both under the guidance of the Protestant clergy and where Catholic and Protestant children were educated together," he said.
"One of the fascinating things about my research was about Teconnaught National School, the first Catholic National School which opened in nearby Kilmore in 1884 in a loft.
"It was based on the Church Road with 36 children - 24 Protestant and 12 Catholic - and what was also interesting was that children paid two shillings per quarter to go to the school."
The school was renamed Tyconnett Public Elementary School, before becoming Teconnaught Primary School and later Holy Family Primary School.
"It's a book for everyone and a tribute to all the people who have been part of education in Teconnaught," he said.
